Poveglia Island Reappropriation Project: A Community-Led Commitment

Poveglia Island is a historically rich and environmentally significant 7-hectare site located in the Venetian lagoon. Its history dates back to the 5th century AD, during which it served various roles: a military outpost in the war between the Venetians and the Genoese, a quarantine station during the plague, and later a geriatric hospital before being abandoned in 1969. For over 50 years, Poveglia remained in a state of neglect, with its structures deteriorating and its once-thriving green spaces left to decay.

In March 2014, the Italian government, through the State Property Agency, announced its intention to auction the island for a 99-year concession contract, with no reserve price and no project requirements, as part of a broader trend of privatizing public assets. This trend had already led to other islands in the southern lagoon being purchased by private holding companies and transformed into exclusive resorts (read our dossier – being updated). This sparked immediate concerns among citizens and activists about Poveglia's future and its potential loss to private and exclusive interests. In response, a spontaneous movement formed of people who came together with the shared goal of a "Poveglia for everyone.".

Origin of Poveglia per tutti and Citizen Mobilization

On April 2, 2014, Poveglia per tutti was officially established as an association, marking the beginning of a powerful civic mobilization to keep the island in public hands. The association intended to participate in the State Property Agency auction, not to claim the island for itself but to secure it as a publicly accessible space. They organized under the motto "99 euros for 99 years," launching a fundraising campaign to participate in the State Property Agency auction, which required €20,000 to enter. Through a mix of public fundraising, technical discussions, and broad community support, Poveglia per tutti quickly gained momentum. Over 4,500 people donated to the cause, raising a total of €460,000 in just 40 days.

Despite their efforts, the association faced strong competition from private entities, including the holding company Umana SpA, which bid €513,000. However, the State Property Agency deemed the private offer inadequate, leaving Poveglia's future uncertain. Venetian citizens saw this as an opportunity to continue their advocacy.

The Vision for Poveglia's Future

The association's regeneration project is centered on four key principles, developed through a participatory and collaborative process with the community:

Green spaces for public use: The largest part of the island, its green spaces, would be transformed into a public park, freely accessible to all and incorporating urban gardens.

Reconversion of built-up areas: The existing buildings on the island would be repurposed for projects that could generate revenue, such as cultural initiatives or cooperatives. This revenue would then be reinvested in maintaining the public park and its green areas.

Non-profit and sustainable management: The entire project would operate on a non-profit basis, with a focus on environmental sustainability. The island's future would be shaped through community involvement and aligned with ethical standards that prevent commercialization.

Fair decision-making: Every member of the association, by contributing to the project, would have an equal say in major decisions regarding the island's management. This reflects a commitment to democratic participation and local empowerment.

Collaboration and Strategic Partnerships

To strengthen its credibility and resources, Poveglia per tutti has formed alliances with various local, national, and international institutions. These include a doctoral research collaboration with the Department of Human Sciences at the University of Verona, the Department of Design Cultures at IUAV University of Venice, and the School of Architecture and Planning at Ohio State University. These partnerships are vital for the research and design aspects of the project, helping the association develop innovative methods for engaging citizens and assessing the project's social and environmental impact.

Furthermore, the association is part of a broader movement for the preservation of public places from alienation, aligning with citizen organizations that reclaim disused places and spaces for the community.

Challenges and Ongoing Efforts

Over the past decade, Poveglia per tutti has faced an obstacle course in its tenacious attempts to secure the island for citizens through a long-term concession. The phased recovery project, developed through a participatory citizen process, clashed with denial from the State Property Agency and the division of the island into 3 separate lots. In 2021, the association decided to reapply for the concession of the northern part of the island, aiming to begin its transformation into a lagoon park accessible to all.

In 2023, Poveglia per tutti submitted an extensive proposal to the Agency, outlining their plan to revitalize the entire Poveglia Island through a long-term, phased project. This proposal, developed in partnership with over 40 local groups and associations, is supported by IUAV and Verona Universities, and the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA). Thus, the project also aims to leverage EU funding opportunities.

A Model of Urban Reappropriation

Poveglia per tutti's efforts have become a model for grassroots-led urban regeneration, emphasizing bottom-up initiatives and sustainable management of public assets. Their work goes beyond Poveglia itself, as they contribute to a broader vision of community empowerment, resistance to privatization, and the creation of shared spaces in Venice and beyond. The association's ongoing advocacy, commitment to participatory democracy, and collaboration with academic institutions have made the Poveglia project an innovative and socially relevant experiment in reclaiming public land. As of 2024, after ten years of continuous challenges, Poveglia per tutti remains an active and determined force for the future of the island and the lagoon.

Recent Developments

In August 2024, the association submitted a new request for a six-year concession of the island's green area, proposing a project for a lagoon park fully funded by the association itself, thanks to donations from its members. This initiative marked a significant step in the association's long-standing efforts to transform Poveglia into a vibrant and accessible public space.

In November 2024, the Veneto Regional Administrative Court, for the second time, ruled in favor of the association, which had appealed after the Agency's further denial of the concession request. According to the Court, the Agency had not justified the denial in a "sufficient and logical" manner, thus demonstrating improper exercise of its, albeit broad, discretionary power. This ruling prompted the Agency to re-examine the case. In April 2025, it was announced that the Rome Congruity Commission had established a favorable concession fee, taking into account that the association is a Third Sector Entity and the planned investments for creating the urban park.

From August 1, 2025, the association obtained the concession for the northern island for 6 years to carry out the lagoon urban park project. This initiative aims to create a space that embodies the principles of biodiversity and serves as a vibrant community gathering place. The transformation of Poveglia into such a space will not only honor the island's rich history but also ensure its future as a thriving, eco-friendly haven for the community.

In these 11 years of resistance, the association has reclaimed the island as a civic space, transforming Poveglia into a symbol of institutional abandonment and holding company greed, and ultimately, of a city's redemption. The island's journey from abandonment to revitalization reflects the community's unwavering commitment and resilience.

During this extended period, to promote and maintain a sense of community, the association has organized numerous events on Poveglia, each time securing a day permit. These events have been meticulously designed to rescue Poveglia from programmed oblivion through engagement and care for the island via maintenance of green spaces and paths, community picnics, and collaborations with other associations such as rowing clubs and artists. A culminating moment of these events is the annual Sagranòmala, a celebration of the association's work and Poveglia's transformation into a beloved community space.