Sustainable futures: navigating environmental challenges through local governance in the Tirreno-Eolie area

Purpose/Objective: Recognising the urgency to safeguard the planet and foster resilience against climate-related health challenges, this study aligns with the 2030 Agenda and explores local initiatives, such as those by the local action group (LAG). Design/Methodology/Approach: This analysis identified the strengths, weak nesses, opportunities, and threats faced by the Tirreno-Eolie LAG, providing a solid foundation for developing the Local Development Plan (LDP). Moreover, an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) analysis was employed to yield a priori tised ranking of the outlined LDP strategies based on the stakeholder input. Findings: The analysis of the LDP for LAG revealed a comprehensive set of actions designed to promote sustainable development at the local level: 1. urban redevelopment projects, 2. preservation of historical buildings, 3. environmental awareness initiatives in Sicily, 4. biological diversity programmes and educa tion, 5. promoting circular economy principles, 6. implementing sustainable corporate governance, 7. developing information systems for control and secu rity, 8. establishing partnerships with local associations, 9. leveraging European initiatives, 10. deployment of newer and greener technologies, 11. redevelopment of infrastructure. Significance/Implications/Conclusions: By strategically implementing the LDP’s recommendations, LAG can contribute to building a more sustainable, resilient, and culturally vibrant Sicily. Limitations: Firstly, the available information on the LAG Tirreno-Eolie may be limited. Secondly, the complex and ever-changing nature of social and envi ronmental systems can constrain the objective of the research. Future Research: Future research may investigate the effectiveness of for mulated actions and outcomes over time, conduct comparative analyses with regions implementing similar sustainability initiatives, and investigate the scal ability and adaptability of the LDP framework to diverse contexts.