Poveglia Island Reappropriation Project: A Community-Led Effort

Poveglia Island is a historically rich and environmentally significant 7-hectare site located in the Venetian lagoon. Its history stretches 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 Agency of State Property (Agenzia del Demanio), announced its intention to auction off the island for a 99-year lease, without a reserve price and without a project, as part of a broader trend of privatization of public assets. A trend that had already led other islands in the southern lagoon to be purchased by private holdings and transformed into exclusive resorts (read the dossier - WIP). This sparked immediate concerns among citizens and activists about Poveglia’s future and its potential loss to private, exclusive interests. In response, a spontaneous group of people with a common interest in keeping Poveglia public, formed under the name "Poveglia per tutti" (Poveglia for All).

Formation 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 civil mobilization to keep the island in public hands. The association wanted to participate in the auction not to put the island under its control and management, but to ensure it remained a publicly accessible space. They organized under the motto "99 euros for 99 years," starting a fundraiser in order to participate to the auction, which required a minimum bid of 20.000 euro. Through a mix of public fundraising, technical discussions, and widespread community support, Poveglia per tutti quickly gained momentum. Over 4,500 people donated to the cause, raising a total of €460,000 within just 40 days.

Despite their efforts, the association faced stiff competition from private entities, including the holding company Umana SpA, which bid €513,000. However, the Agency of State Property deemed the private offer incongruous, leaving the future of Poveglia uncertain. The Venetian citizens saw this as a chance to continue their advocacy.

The Vision for Poveglia’s Future

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

1. 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.

2. Repurposing the Built-Up Areas: The existing buildings on the island would be repurposed for projects that could generate revenue, such as cultural or cooperative initiatives. These revenues would then be reinvested into maintaining the public park and its green areas.

3. 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.

4. Equitable Decision-Making: Each member of the association, by contributing to the project, would have an equal say in major decisions about the island’s management. This reflects a commitment to democratic participation and local empowerment.

Collaboration and Strategic Partnerships

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

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

Challenges and Ongoing Efforts

Over the last decade, Poveglia for everyone has faced an obstacle course in its tenacious attempts to secure the island for citizens through a long-term concession for the island. The phased recovery project, developed through a participatory citizen process, clashed with denial from the State Property and with the fragmentation of the island into 3 distinct lots. In 2021, the association decided to apply again 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 revitalise the entire Poveglia Island through a phased, long-term project. This proposal, developed in partnership with over 40 local groups and associations, is supported by the IUAV and Verona Universities, the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA). Thus, the project also aims to leverage EU funding opportunities.

A model for Urban Reappropriation

Poveglia per tutti’s efforts have become a model for grassroots-led urban regeneration, emphasizing bottom-up initiatives and the 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 public land reclamation. As of 2024, after ten years of continuous challanges, 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 green area of the island, 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 TAR of Veneto, 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 TAR, the Agency had not justified the denial in a "sufficient and logical" manner, thus demonstrating an incorrect exercise of its, albeit broad, discretionary power. This ruling prompted the Agency to re-examine the case. In April 2025, it was communicated that the Congruity Commission of Rome had developed a favorable concession fee, taking into account that the association is a Third Sector Entity and the investments planned for the realization of the urban park.

On August 1, 2025, the association has been awarded the concession of the northern island for 6 years to carry forward the urban lagoon 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-compatible refuge for the community.

Over these 11 years of resistance, the association has reclaimed the island as a civic space, transforming Poveglia into a symbol of institutional neglect and the greed of holding companies, 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 prolonged period, to foster and maintain a sense of community, the association has organized numerous events on Poveglia, each time securing a daily concession. These events were meticulously designed to remove Poveglia from programmed oblivion through involvement and taking care of the island through maintenance actions of the greenery and paths, community picnics, collaborations with other associations such as rowing clubs, and artists. A highlight of these events is the annual Sagranòmala, a celebration of the association's work and the transformation of Poveglia into a beloved community space.