What future for the Island of Elba?

Elba 2035 is a territorial laboratory for sustainable development created to guide the Island of Elba along a shared path toward the future. Through listening to the local context and actively involving its key stakeholders, the project promotes initiatives aimed at strengthening the island’s attractiveness, protecting its natural and cultural heritage, and improving the quality of life of the community.

Launched in 2019 and developed with the methodological coordination of EY during the strategic planning phase, Elba 2035 led to the definition of the Sustainability Manifesto of the Island of Elba: a programmatic document that translates the vision of local stakeholders into concrete objectives, in line with the principles of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

The project is based on a participatory approach that brings together institutions, businesses, schools, associations, and citizens, with the aim of building collaborative governance oriented toward the long term.

From vision to projects

Starting from the signing of the Manifesto, Elba 2035 has contributed to launching strategic initiatives for the territory.

Among these is the full implementation of the Via dell’Essenza, a hiking enhancement project that led to the redevelopment and digitalization of over 66 km of trails, promoting sustainable and accessible tourism throughout the year.

The Manifesto also inspired the creation of the Renewable Energy Community of the Island of Elba, strengthening the island’s path toward more responsible and collaborative energy models..

Over time, the project has supported the consolidation of participatory governance and the spread of educational and cultural initiatives, helping to strengthen social cohesion and the territory’s ability to plan its own future.

National recognition

On 12 February 2026, Elba 2035 was included by ASviS – the Italian Alliance for Sustainable Development in the report “Best practices from local territories”./p>

The project is described as a participatory process capable of involving citizens, schools, businesses, associations, and institutions, guiding the territory toward climate neutrality, protection of natural capital, cultural enhancement, and sustainable tourism.

Among the highlighted results are the creation of the Acqua dell’Elba Foundation, the development of the Via dell’Essenza, the Blue Schools certification for all schools of the Archipelago, and the launch of the Renewable Energy Community — elements that contribute to making the model replicable in other territorial contexts as well.