Italy: An island for all Venetians | Focus on Europe

Key Concepts

• Povllia: A 7-hectare uninhabited island in the Venetian Lagoon with a 1500-year history.
• Povllia Per Tutti (Povllia for All): A citizens’ initiative fighting to preserve Povllia as a public recreation space.
• Island Sell-Off: The Italian state’s practice of auctioning islands in the Venetian Lagoon to private investors.
• Tourism & Gentrification: The displacement of local residents due to increased tourism and investment in Venice.
• Citizens’ Initiative/Collective Action: The successful mobilization of funds and advocacy by residents to counter privatization.
• Rights of Use: The legal standing granted to the association, allowing them custodial care of part of the island for a defined period.

The Fight for Povllia: A Case Study in Urban Preservation

The video details the 11-year struggle by the citizens’ initiative “Povllia Per Tutti” (“Povllia for All”) to prevent the privatization of Povllia, a 7-hectare island in the Venetian Lagoon. Povllia, located a half-hour boat ride from St. Mark’s Square, has been uninhabited since 1968, previously serving as a hospital for over 1500 years. The core issue revolves around the Italian state’s policy of selling off islands within the lagoon to private investors, a trend that has seen eight islands sold in recent decades.

The Threat of Privatization and Rising Costs of Living

In 2014, the state authority responsible for Povllia, along with two other islands, announced an auction. This sparked immediate outrage among Venetian residents who feel increasingly marginalized by the influx of tourism and wealthy investors. The video highlights the perception that Venice is being “abandoned to tourists, investors, and the super rich.” A specific example cited is the wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, estimated to have cost €50 million, demonstrating the city’s transformation into an exclusive venue for the affluent. Residents express feeling “shut out” of their own city, with islands being converted into exclusive hotels inaccessible to locals. Participation in the 2014 auction itself required a minimum bid of €20,000 simply to qualify.

Mobilizing Collective Action: Funding and Legal Battles

“Povllia Per Tutti” responded to the auction announcement by launching a crowdfunding campaign. Within a short timeframe, they successfully raised over €400,000, with contributions from 4,500 people globally, each donating an average of €9. The funds were placed in a dedicated fund to ensure transparency and guarantee donors that their contributions would be solely used for acquiring the island. As stated by a member of the initiative, “We set up a fund where the money we collected remained while we waited for the state to approve our bid for the island. That way, we could guarantee everyone who donated that their money would really be used for the island and nothing else.”

Despite the substantial funds raised, the legal process was protracted. It took 11 years before a court granted the association at least the “rights of use” for the island for the next 6 years, with custody beginning on August 1st, 2025. This legal victory, though partial, represents a significant achievement for the citizens’ group.

Reclaiming Public Space: The Vision for Povllia

The association’s goal is to transform Povllia into a public park accessible to all Venetians, effectively halting the island’s privatization. On a November 2025 workday, approximately 80 volunteers participated in a tree-planting initiative, led by Sandro Caparelli, the project’s technical manager. Caparelli emphasized the ambition to “create an oasis of biodiversity that’s open to everyone,” explicitly rejecting the development of exclusive hotels or facilities. He directs volunteers to focus on areas around vines and blackberry bushes.

Broader Implications and a Model for Resistance

Patritzia, a member of the initiative, views the Povllia campaign as a potential model for other cities and regions facing similar challenges of tourism-driven displacement and investor encroachment. She articulates the core principle of the movement: “Povia. For me, Povia and all the islands in the lagoon are part of the city I live in and where I want to continue living. Our efforts are also a symbol of reclaiming the right to really live and experience the city and not just inhabit it.” The initiative acknowledges periods of discouragement and strong institutional opposition, but maintains a hopeful outlook. As one member stated, “There was a moment when we were really discouraged. It seemed as if all doors were closed. There was strong opposition, especially from the institutions, but we always had hope.”

Conclusion

The case of Povllia demonstrates the power of collective action and citizen-led initiatives in resisting privatization and reclaiming public spaces. The successful mobilization of funds, coupled with a persistent legal battle, has secured at least temporary control of the island for the benefit of the Venetian community. The initiative serves as a potent example of how residents can actively challenge the forces of tourism and investment to preserve the character and accessibility of their city.