Pilar Santamaría, Finnova Foundation’s Communications Director, will represent the project at this key European Commission forum
Brussels, February 26, 2026. The Finnova Foundation and the LIFE COSTAdapta consortium are pleased to announce their participation in the upcoming European Ocean Days, held in Brussels from March 2 to 6, 2026. Organized by the European Commission, this event is the most significant annual gathering for stakeholders dedicated to ocean conservation and the blue economy in the EU.
LIFE COSTAdapta’s presence at this international forum is facilitated by the Finnova Foundation, a project partner permanently based in Belgium. This represents a milestone for disseminating the Tidal pool-reef methodology. Pilar Santamaría, the foundation’s communications manager, will attend the technical sessions to share how this nature-based solution—backed by a EUR 3 337 563 investment—is leading the way for climate resilience in Gran Canaria.
By leveraging Finnova’s local infrastructure and team in the European capital, the project ensures top-level institutional representation in a sustainable and efficient manner, strengthening strategic alliances with the CINEA agency and other European maritime leaders.
The project will protect homes and the marine environment through a tidal pool-reef system inspired by Canarian tradition
San Felipe (Gran Canaria), February 19, 2026. The European project LIFE COSTAdapta is launching a key information and awareness phase in the neighborhood of San Felipe, aiming to address residents’ concerns regarding sea-level rise and adverse coastal phenomena.
The initiative, which involves a total investment of EUR 3 337 563, proposes an innovative solution called Tidal pool-reefs. This technique not only seeks to mitigate coastal erosion but does so by integrating into the landscape, using a design that mimics the traditional tidal pools of the Canary Islands to reduce wave energy before it impacts the neighborhood’s infrastructure and homes.
A natural shield for the neighborhood
Focusing on San Felipe is a priority within Gran Canaria’s coastal adaptation strategy. LIFE COSTAdapta acts not only as a protection barrier against flooding but also promotes the recovery of marine habitats, creating new ecosystems for local species.
Unlike conventional rigid infrastructures, the tidal pool-reefs are designed to be progressive and respectful of coastal use, ensuring that San Felipe maintains its identity and its relationship with the sea safely for decades to come.
Governance and citizen participation
As established in the project’s Participation Plan, social acceptability is a fundamental pillar. Therefore, an ongoing dialogue will be maintained with neighbors to explain the technical benefits of the work and ensure the community feels part of this climate solution.
About LIFE COSTAdapta
LIFE COSTAdapta (LIFE22-CCA-ES-LIFE COSTAdapta) is a project co-funded at 60% by the European Union’s LIFE Programme. The consortium is led by the Consejo Insular de la Energía de Gran Canaria (CIEGC) and includes the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), the University of Cantabria, INGECID, Raley Estudios Costeros, ECOncrete, the Canary Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development (FCR), and the Finnova Foundation.
The Global Sustainable Islands Summit in Gran Canaria will showcase innovative solutions to sea-level rise funded by the European Union
Gran Canaria, February 9, 2026. Patricia del Mar Caro Ruiz, Project Manager at IOCAG – Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) and Coordinator of the LIFE COSTAdapta project, has been officially invited as a speaker at the Global Sustainable Islands Summit (GSIS) 2026. This high-level international forum, co-organised by Island Innovation and the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, will take place from April 20–22, 2026, bringing together government leaders, academics, and experts to address the most pressing sustainability challenges for islands worldwide.
The GSIS 2026 focuses on Climate Adaptation, Renewable Energy, and Sustainable Tourism. In this framework, Ms. Caro Ruiz will detail how LIFE COSTAdapta addresses the climate vulnerability of Gran Canaria through a pioneering methodology: the Tidal pool-reef system. This nature-based solution combines traditional Canary Island techniques with advanced engineering to strengthen coastal resilience without compromising the public use of beaches or local landscapes. The project aims to protect biodiversity and the local tourism economy, ensuring that coastal areas remain accessible and safe for residents and visitors alike despite rising sea levels.
The project has a total budget of €3,337,563, with €2,002,538 co-funded by the LIFE Programme of the European Union. Led by the Consejo Insular de la Energía de Gran Canaria (CIEGC), the consortium includes ULPGC, the University of Cantabria (UC), INGECID, Raley Estudios Costeros S.C.P., ECOncrete AQUA, the Canary Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development (FCR), and the Finnova Foundation
Technical Sheet:
Project: LIFE COSTAdapta (LIFE21-CCA-ES-LIFE COSTAdapta/101074552)
Pilar Santamaría, Communications Director of the foundation, moderated a technical session at this key international forum for maritime sustainability
Brussels, February 6, 2026. Last Tuesday, February 3rd, the Finnova Foundation, a partner of the LIFE Project #LIFECOSTAdapta, actively participated in The 3rd European Blue Economy Conference 2026 held in Brussels, Belgium. This annual summit brings together top EU policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to shape the future of sustainability and competitiveness in our seas and coastlines.
Throughout the event, Finnova conducted intense strategic networking to provide visibility to the LIFE COSTAdapta project, which was on display for experts from across Europe. The initiative garnered significant interest from key stakeholders, most notably during a meeting with Margot Angibaud, representative of Europêche, where synergies regarding habitat protection and coastal resilience were discussed.
A major highlight of the conference was the participation of Pilar Santamaría, Director of Communication and Public Affairs at the Finnova Foundation, who served as the moderator for one of the technical sessions. Her role strengthened the Foundation’s position as a leader in the communication and management of European blue innovation projects, facilitating dialogue on the progress of the EU Ocean Pact.
About LIFE COSTAdapta The project (LIFE21-CCA-ES-LIFE COSTAdapta/101074552) has a total budget of €3,337,563, co-funded at 60% by the LIFE Programme of the European Union. It is led by the Consejo Insular de la Energía de Gran Canaria (CIEGC) and developed by a consortium including ULPGC, the University of Cantabria, INGECID, Raley Estudios Costeros, ECOncrete AQUA, the Canary Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development (FCR), and the Finnova Foundation
The workshop fostered collective reflection on future scenarios related to sea level rise and coastal resilience
Gran Canaria, 21st January 2026. The European project LIFE COSTAdapta took part on Friday, 16 January, in the Workshop on Climate Governance Scenarios at the Land–Sea Interface, organised within the framework of the BLUE GREEN GOVERNANCE (BGG) project and coordinated by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
The workshop, held at the Campus del Obelisco – Aulario del Obelisco, aimed to promote collaborative work on future climate governance scenarios in the context of sea level rise and the increasing frequency of extreme events. Throughout the morning, participants engaged in participatory dynamics based on maps, narratives and collective reflection.
Representatives from LIFE COSTAdapta joined the working tables alongside public authorities, technical staff, researchers, social organisations and other European initiatives. The discussions focused on key challenges related to coastal adaptation, decision-making processes and long-term resilience in coastal areas.
One of the working groups specifically addressed an extreme climate scenario projected for the year 2100 (RCP 8.5), enabling participants to reflect on the potential impacts of sea level rise and the importance of strengthening governance models that support long-term planning and cooperation among stakeholders.
LIFE COSTAdapta’s participation in this workshop reinforces synergies with the BLUE GREEN GOVERNANCE project and with other European initiatives addressing coastal climate adaptation from complementary perspectives. These collaborative spaces contribute to knowledge exchange and to the joint development of responses to climate challenges at the land–sea interface.
About LIFE COSTAdapta
LIFE COSTAdapta is a European project aimed at addressing the adaptation of the coast of Gran Canaria to sea level rise through an innovative methodology. The project designs and tests a progressive system of tidal pool reefs, combining traditional coastal techniques with advanced nature-based solutions.
The project is coordinated by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria (Cabildo de Gran Canaria) and brings together the following partners: University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), University of Cantabria, INGECID, Raley Coastal Studies, ECOncrete AQUA, the Canary Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development, and Finnova.
LIFE COSTAdapta has a total budget of €3,337,563, of which €2,002,538 are co-funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme.
The news item is illustrated with images from the working tables and participatory dynamics carried out during the workshop.
Every March 22nd, World Water Day reminds us of the essential role this resource plays in our lives and in the fight against climate change. At LIFE COSTAdapta, we work to adapt Gran Canaria’s coastline to rising sea levels through innovative and sustainable solutions.
📻 In this context, we want to share the recent interview of Patricia del Mar Caro Ruiz, researcher at Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and partner of the LIFE COSTAdapta project, on Cadena SER . During her intervention, Patricia highlighted how the infrastructures designed within the project will help mitigate wave energy, facilitating natural coastal protection processes.
🔎 “These infrastructures help dissipate wave energy. Our goal is to design them for adaptation, supporting natural coastal protection processes. One key focus is to stabilize the shoreline and minimize erosion, another major risk associated with rising sea levels and increasing extreme weather events,” explained Patricia.
The participation strengthens synergies between European projects working on coastal adaptation and climate governance
Gran Canaria, 12 January 2026. The European project LIFE COSTAdapta will attend the Workshop 2 “Climate Governance Scenarios at the Land–Sea Interface”, organised by the BLUE GREEN GOVERNANCE (BBG) project, on Friday, 16 January 2026.
This workshop follows the first session held in March 2025, where participants collectively explored future challenges at the land–sea interface in the context of climate change. The second workshop will focus on developing climate governance scenarios, integrating local narratives and institutional perspectives on climate change adaptation, with particular attention to sea level rise.
The event will take place at the Campus del Obelisco, Aulario del Obelisco, Module C, from 09:00 to 13:30, and will bring together representatives from public authorities, technical staff, the scientific community, social organisations, the private sector and local communities. The aim is to reflect on how different governance configurations can either support or hinder effective coastal resilience.
On behalf of LIFE COSTAdapta, Patricia del Mar Caro will attend the workshop to learn first-hand about the results developed by the BLUE GREEN GOVERNANCE project over the past year. LIFE COSTAdapta’s participation reinforces collaboration and knowledge exchange between European initiatives addressing coastal adaptation and climate governance from complementary perspectives.
The island hosted a consortium meeting, a field visit to San Felipe and the First Conference on Coastal Adaptation to Climate Change in Island Regions on 24 and 25 November
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 8 December 2025 — The European project LIFE COSTAdapta held two days of intensive work on 24 and 25 November in Gran Canaria, combining technical coordination, a visit to the pilot area and an institutional event included in the EURegionsWeek close to you programme. The activities brought together the project consortium, the ELMEN mechanism monitor from CINEA and institutional and academic representatives committed to coastal adaptation to climate change.
The first day took place at the headquarters of the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria (CIEGC), where the second in-person consortium meeting was held with the participation of Sara Barceló, monitor of the ELMEN mechanism from CINEA. During the session, the consortium reviewed the status of the project, ongoing deliverables and upcoming technical and administrative milestones. The meeting strengthened internal planning for the development phase of the tidal pool–reef system, an innovative solution inspired by the traditional tidal pools of the archipelago.
In the afternoon, part of the delegation travelled to the pilot area in San Felipe to observe the location where the coastal adaptation solution will be implemented. The visit made it possible to better understand the dynamics of the shoreline and the interaction between the sea and nearby inhabited areas, including a home affected by coastal retreat. This experience highlighted the urgency of advancing solutions that combine scientific knowledge, territorial governance and respect for the traditional use of the Canary Islands’ coastline.
The second day was dedicated to the First Conference on Coastal Adaptation to Climate Change in Island Regions, organised by CIEGC and the Finnova Foundation under the EURegionsWeek close to you programme. The institutional opening featured the participation of Raúl García Brink, Councillor for Environment, Climate, Energy and Knowledge of the Island Council of Gran Canaria; the presence of Lluís Serra Majem, Rector of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria; and the participation of Adrián Noheda, project manager and expert in European funding at Finnova. The conference included thematic sessions involving projects and entities working on coastal adaptation in vulnerable territories, such as NATALIE, IMPLACOST, Blue Green Governance and MasDunas, together with experts from the Government of the Canary Islands and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Discussions focused on multilevel climate governance, funding challenges and the need for replicable models that allow island regions to strengthen their resilience. The event generated notable media interest and was covered by outlets such as Radio Televisión Canaria, which highlighted Gran Canaria’s growing role as a reference point in coastal adaptation at the European level.
In the afternoon, the consortium held a follow-up technical session focusing on communication, replicability, sustainability and the exploitation of results. The session aimed to ensure that the methodologies and knowledge generated by the project can be transferred to other European territories affected by sea level rise.
LIFE COSTAdapta aims to design and test an innovative tidal pool–reef system that strengthens the adaptive capacity of Gran Canaria’s coastline in response to sea level rise, while preserving local coastal uses, enhancing biodiversity and contributing to the tourism economy. The project has a total budget of €3,337,563, of which €2,002,538 is co-funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme. The initiative runs for seven years and is coordinated by CIEGC, with the participation of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, University of Cantabria, INGECID, Raley Coastal Studies, ECOncrete AQUA, the Canary Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development, and the Finnova Foundation.
Ocean Oasis and PLOCAN take part in a meeting focused on synergies, public participation and permitting in coastal projects
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 4 December 2025. The LIFE COSTAdapta project team took part this Tuesday, 2 December, in a working meeting with representatives of the DESALIFE project. The meeting aimed to exchange experiences, analyse shared approaches and explore potential synergies between both initiatives, which focus on climate change adaptation in coastal and island environments.
The session featured contributions from Susana Rodríguez and Sebastián Feimblatt, representatives of Ocean Oasis, an organisation specialised in renewable-energy-powered marine desalination solutions, as well as Silvia Hildebrandt, technician at the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN). Both organisations bring direct expertise in ocean innovation and sustainable water management in island contexts.
During the meeting, the teams exchanged knowledge on key aspects of the LIFE approach, with particular emphasis on public participation processes, the permitting procedures for actions in the coastal zone and the technical and regulatory requirements associated with interventions in the marine environment. The discussion helped identify convergences between the two projects and potential collaboration pathways to enhance the implementation of climate solutions in vulnerable coastal areas.
The meeting also served to explore opportunities for future cooperation, including the replicability of best practices, the integration of innovative technologies and the development of sustainable coastal management models applicable to other European island territories.
With this meeting, LIFE COSTAdapta strengthens its collaboration strategy with other EU-funded initiatives, fostering knowledge transfer and coordination among key actors in the ecological transition.
