The Parco nazionale Arcipelago toscano remains under extraordinary administration. Following the end of Giampiero Sammuri’s term last summer, the park has been without a permanent president. In October, under the direction of the government led by Giorgia Meloni, Matteo Arcenni, former mayor of Terricciola, was appointed as commissioner.
With decree no. 114 of April 9, 2026, issued by the Ministry for the Environment, Arcenni’s mandate has now been extended for an additional six months, ensuring continuity in the management of the protected area.
Governance still unresolved
The extension leaves open the possibility of further renewals. The measure states that the extraordinary administration may continue if the process for appointing the park’s ordinary governing bodies—president and executive board—is not completed. These roles have been vacant since June 28, 2025.
Under current regulations, the Ministry for the Environment, led by Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, is responsible for proposing a shortlist of candidates to the Regione Toscana in order to reach a shared decision. However, institutional discussions have yet to produce an agreement, despite the issue being raised in both regional motions and parliamentary questions as early as 2025.
Arcenni: “Continuity and commitment”
Commenting on the extension, Arcenni expressed gratitude for the renewed trust placed in him by the minister, highlighting the importance of administrative continuity.
“This is an important confirmation,” he stated, “which allows us to continue the work already started and pursue the strategic objectives that have been outlined.”
He also thanked the park staff, local administrations, and associations involved, acknowledging their contribution over recent months. “I will continue to work with dedication and a spirit of service,” he added, “to ensure continuity for ongoing projects and guide the Park towards the full restoration of its governing bodies.”
Towards stable governance
The stated goal remains to restore full governance as soon as possible, ensuring stable and shared management of the Park. In the meantime, the commissioner’s role serves as a temporary solution to guarantee operational continuity and protect the extraordinary biodiversity of the Tuscan Archipelago.