What future for Elba?
Elba 2035 is a project aimed at listening to and engaging with the local community to initiate specific initiatives to make the Island of Elba even more attractive and sustainable by 2035. The project took its first steps in 2019 and, in 2021, it was enriched by a prestigious partnership with EY (a global network of professional consulting, auditing, tax, and transaction services), which coordinated the implementation of the final document.
This is a unique initiative for the Island of Elba, strongly innovative and participatory, aimed at collecting ideas directly from the territory and creating a shared path among the island's key stakeholders – from politics to culture, from the environment to tourism, and education. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life on the island for its inhabitants today and in the future. To achieve this, the Sustainability Manifesto of the Island of Elba was developed: a programmatic document summarizing the vision that the island's inhabitants have for their future, focused on sustainability and the practical implementation of the 2030 Agenda goals.
The participants include key stakeholders from politics, environmental management, territorial resources, infrastructure, economic associations, culture, tourism, and education on the Island of Elba. The listening process has focused on three main themes:
- Sustainable tourism: At its core, the search for an answer to the question, "How can we create a tourism model that generates benefits for the local community and enhances the visitor experience while respecting the island's resources?" This is closely linked to mobility and transport: public and private transport, external mobility to and from the island via ferries, as well as the island’s supply chain, railway, and air connections.
- Culture, identity, and lifestyle: The focus is on building and enhancing territorial identity, which includes culture, education, healthcare, and history. It also covers urban regeneration, creating opportunities and attractiveness for investments and young talent while ensuring the protection of citizens' rights.
- Environment and territorial beauty: "How can we enhance the landscape? And above all, how can we preserve its beauty while considering a sustainable revolution in energy, water, and waste management systems?" Based on these questions, a broad discussion has developed on water purification, waste management, plastic-free and paper-free strategies, renewable energy enhancement, and even the possibility of carbon neutrality, with the goal of achieving total independence for the island from all natural resources.
Key milestones already achieved:
- October 19, 2020: Project launch with participation from key stakeholders.
- December 10, 2020: Intermediate coordination meeting.
- March 26, 2021: Conclusion of work and finalization of the Sustainability Manifesto.
- June 30, 2021: Official presentation of the Manifesto at the third edition of SEIF, held from June 30 to July 2, 2021.
In 2021, #ELBA2035 was officially included in the event calendar of the Sustainable Development Festival, promoted by ASviS, the alliance that brings together over 270 of Italy’s most important institutions and civil society networks. ASviS serves as a reference point for all political and institutional initiatives focused on sustainability and the promotion of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda goals. Specifically, the project has been recognized as a model for implementing Goal 11 – Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
In 2024, the Chamber of Commerce of Maremma and Tirreno also joined the project, committing to having all its members sign it.
In 2025, a new coordination and relaunch meeting is planned among the signatories of the Manifesto, aimed at redefining the 2025-2030 medium-term objectives.
Elba2035 warmly welcomes ideas and proposals from all Elba residents and lovers of the island. Contributions and suggestions can be sent to elba2035@acquadellelba.it.
