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Patricia Caro, Project Manager at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), partner of LIFE COSTAdapta, presented the pilot project on Cadena SER last Sunday, March 9^th

On World Water Day, the LIFE COSTAdapta project strengthens its commitment to coastal adaptation and the sustainability of marine ecosystems

Brussels, March 22^nd, 2025 – Last Sunday, March 9^th, Patricia Caro, Project Manager at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) and one of the partners of the project, participated in the radio program Hora 14 Fin de Semana Canarias on Cadena SER to present the latest developments in the European project LIFE COSTAdapta. During her intervention, she highlighted how this initiative is developing innovative solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change on the coasts of Gran Canaria, with a special focus on sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Coinciding with World Water Day, today 22^nd March, LIFE COSTAdapta reinforces its commitment to preserving coastal ecosystems and promoting the sustainable use of water resources. This pilot project, funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme, focuses on designing and implementing tidal pool-reef structures, artificial reefs engineered to dissipate wave energy and enhance natural coastal regeneration processes.

During the program, Patricia Caro emphasized the key role of these infrastructures in coastal adaptation:

“The goal is to design them for adaptation purposes, supporting natural coastal protection processes through these structures. One of the main objectives is to stabilize the shoreline and minimize erosion, which is another risk associated with rising sea levels and increasing extreme weather events.”

LIFE COSTAdapta has a total budget of €3,409,864, with 60% co-funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme. The project is coordinated by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria (CIEGC) and involves the collaboration of ULPGC, the University of Cantabria, Raley Estudios Costeros, ECOncrete AQUA, INGECID, Fundación Canarias Recicla, and Finnova.

Every year on March 22, World Water Day serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting water resources and developing strategies for climate change adaptation. In this context, LIFE COSTAdapta proposes an innovative and sustainable solution for coastal protection, fully aligned with the goals of ecological transition and the mitigation of environmental impact on oceans.

The full interview is available on Cadena SER.

For more information about the project, visit its official website: LIFE COSTAdapta.

The consortium consolidates progress in coastal adaptation and outlines the next steps for the project

Brussels, March 14^th, 2025. Today, Friday, March 14^th , the third consortium meeting of the LIFE COSTAdapta project took place. This pioneering initiative aims to strengthen the resilience of coastal areas against climate change through the creation of tidal pool-reefs. During the meeting, the eight entities forming the consortium, including renowned universities and companies in the fields of engineering and sustainability, worked together to assess progress and define the next steps of the project.

The session began at 9:00 AM CTE (Canary Islands Time, 10:00 AM CET) with a welcome to participants. This was followed by a review of LIFE COSTAdapta’s progress in various areas: from management and coordination (WP1), including an evaluation of milestones and deliverables, to preparatory actions such as the creation of a promotional video (WP2), presented by Cecilia Ribalaygua and Francisco García (UC). From 10:10 to 10:35 AM, Iñaki Pérez (APP-ULPGC) shared results from development actions (WP3), followed by a review of implementation actions (WP4) led by Nuria Pérez (INGECID). The meeting concluded with a segment on communication, sustainability, and result replication (WP6), presented by Yolanda Durán (Finnova) and Iñaki Pérez (APP-ULPGC).

Among the most relevant topics was the community request for a protective wall, for which the final proposed structure was presented. Additionally, discussions were held on the potential evolution of species that could inhabit the project area, a crucial aspect for marine biodiversity.

Next meeting and project expansion

The fourth monitoring meeting is scheduled for October and will be held in person in the Canary Islands, allowing partners to visit the site where the structures will be placed. Taking advantage of this occasion, a parallel event will be organized to showcase the project and connect with other coastal adaptation initiatives in the region.

Moreover, the participation of European institutions is expected to expand the project’s reach and foster collaboration on future coastal adaptation efforts.

About LIFE COSTAdapta

LIFE COSTAdapta, funded by the EU LIFE Programme with a total budget of €3,409,864, is coordinated by the Consejo Insular de Energía de Gran Canaria in collaboration with universities and specialized entities in engineering and sustainability. Its innovative approach could serve as a model for other European regions affected by erosion and rising sea levels.

LIFE COSTAdapta brings together leading experts such as INGECID, contributing its expertise in sustainable engineering; the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the University of Cantabria, providing knowledge in natural sciences; and Raley Estudios Costeros, conducting coastal studies to identify the most vulnerable areas. ECOncrete AQUA leads innovation in marine infrastructure, while Fundación Canarias Recicla ensures sustainability in the Canary Islands. Finnova manages internal and external communications for the project.

More information about the project: https://costadapta.energiagrancanaria.com/

• The European project, represented by Finnova, took part in the leading event on ocean governance in Brussels.

Brussels, March 7^th , 2025. This week, from Monday, March 3^rd , to Friday, March 7^th , Idoia Migura, Project and Communications Assistant at Finnova, attended the European Ocean Days 2025, an event organized by the European Commission at the Charlemagne building in Brussels to discuss the future of the blue economy and ocean governance in the EU.

The European Ocean Days 2025 gathered experts, policymakers, industry representatives, researchers, and NGOs to address key challenges in ocean sustainability and marine resource management. Over five days, discussions covered topics such as the implementation of the European Green Deal in the maritime sector, funding for innovative projects, the role of coastal communities, and the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.

One of the highlights of this year’s event was the matchmaking session held on the first day, which proved to be highly successful in fostering collaboration and connecting projects with potential partners. This session allowed LIFE COSTAdapta to showcase its innovative tidal pool-reef system, a solution that combines traditional techniques with advanced technology to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels on the coast of Gran Canaria. Through working sessions and networking with key stakeholders, valuable knowledge was exchanged on coastal adaptation strategies, emphasizing innovative climate change adaptation solutions.

LIFE COSTAdapta, funded by the EU’s LIFE Programme with a total budget of 3,409,864€, is coordinated by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria and collaborates with universities and entities specialized in engineering and sustainability. Its innovative approach could serve as a model for other European regions affected by erosion and rising sea levels.

For more information about the project, visit: LIFE COSTAdapta

Official event link: European Ocean Days 2025

Juanma Revuelta, CEO of Finnova, presented the project on Wednesday, March 5^th, at 4:45 PM at ECOPLAYAS 2025, a leading forum on coastal sustainability held in Castellón de la Plana, Comunidad Valenciana.

Brussels, March 6^th, 2025 – Climate change increasingly threatens coastal municipalities with rising sea levels and coastal erosion. In this context, the European project LIFE COSTAdapta was presented at ECOPLAYAS 2025 as a pioneering model for strengthening coastal resilience without compromising its natural balance.

During his speech, Juanma Revuelta, CEO of Finnova, outlined the key aspects of this initiative, which develops a tidal pool-reef system inspired by the natural formations of Macaronesia. This technique leverages nature-based solutions to reduce wave impact, promote marine biodiversity, and stimulate the local economy through sustainable coastal use.

With a total budget of €3,409,864 and 60% co-funding from the European Union through the LIFE Programme, LIFE COSTAdapta has a duration of 84 months and is led by the Gran Canaria Island Energy Council (CIEGC). The project consortium includes the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), the University of Cantabria (UC), INGECID, Coastal Studies Raley S.C.P., ECOncrete AQUA, the Canary Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development (FCR), and the Finnova Foundation.

The participation in ECOPLAYAS 2025 highlighted the role of European funds in coastal protection. Revuelta emphasized that projects like this not only enhance climate resilience but also provide replicable solutions for other regions affected by rising sea levels.

The event gathered public administrations, businesses, and industry experts to discuss innovative strategies in coastal management. The presentation of LIFE COSTAdapta reaffirms its potential as a benchmark for sustainable coastal adaptation and its ability to export this methodology to other vulnerable regions.

More information about the project: www.lifecostadapta.finnova.eu.

Aleix Castells, Head of Communications at the Spanish-Belgian foundation, presents this innovative project during the Welcome Session of the mobility program Genius

Brussels, 25 February 2025. – The fight against coastal erosion and the impact of climate change on shorelines was a key focus of the Welcome Day of the Genius Program of the Diputació de Tarragona, held at Finnova’s headquarters in Brussels. During the event, Aleix Castells, Finnova’s communications officer, introduced the 10 beneficiaries of the program and other participants to this European initiative that develops innovative solutions for the protection of the coast of Gran Canaria.

LIFE COSTAdapta embraces a nature-based approach to tackling rising sea levels. Its solution consists of a progressive tidal pool-reef system, inspired by the traditional tidal pools found in the Canary Islands and Macaronesia, aimed at reducing erosion and enhancing the resilience of coastal ecosystems.

Beyond the technical development, Finnova’s participation in this event helped raise awareness among young people about the importance of applying innovative and sustainable strategies for climate adaptation. This exchange underscores the need to combine knowledge, technology, and international cooperation to address global environmental challenges.

A consortium committed to sustainability

LIFE COSTAdapta has a total budget of €3,409,864, of which €2,045,818 is financed by the European Union through the LIFE Programme. The project is led by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria (CIEGC), under the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, and brings together a multidisciplinary team composed of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), the University of Cantabria, INGECID, Raley Estudios Costeros, ECOncrete AQUA, the Canary Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development (FCR), and Finnova.

The presentation in Brussels strengthens the project’s commitment to awareness and hands-on learning, fostering the engagement of future generations in environmental protection and coastal adaptation.

• Juanma Revuelta, CEO of Finnova, will highlight European funding opportunities for sustainable projects on March 6, from 16:45 to 17:45 (CET)

Brussels, February 21, 2025. The European project LIFE COSTAdapta will be presented at the XXII ECOPLAYAS Congress, a key event in comprehensive beach management and climate change adaptation. The congress will bring together experts, researchers, and public administrations to discuss coastal sustainability and strategies for mitigating climate impacts.

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 16:45 to 17:45 (CET), Juanma Revuelta, CEO of the Finnova Foundation, will participate in the panel “Financing Innovation in Companies and Municipalities,” where he will deliver the masterclass “EU Funds 2030 Challenge for Sustainability in Coastal Municipalities: LIFE COSTAdapta and One Blue.” During his speech, Revuelta will address European funding opportunities for sustainable projects and will showcase LIFE COSTAdapta as an innovative model for coastal adaptation to climate change. Additionally, Finnova will present other initiatives focused on coastal protection.

The LIFE COSTAdapta project aims to develop innovative solutions for the progressive adaptation of the Gran Canaria coastline to rising sea levels. To achieve this, it will design and test a Tidal Pool-Reef system, combining traditional techniques with advanced technologies. This solution seeks to reduce coastal erosion, preserve marine habitats, and protect the local tourism economy, ensuring the region’s long-term sustainability.

With a duration of seven years and a total budget of €3,409,864 (€2,045,818 funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme), the project is coordinated by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria (CIEGC) and involves seven strategic partners: University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC); University of Cantabria (UC); INGECID, Research and Project Development;  Raley Coastal Studies S.C.P.; ECOncrete AQUA; Canary Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development (FCR); Finnova Foundation.

ECOPLAYAS: A key space for innovation in beach management

The ECOPLAYAS Congress is a leading technical event that annually gathers coastal sustainability specialists, including municipal technicians, tourism and environmental companies, researchers, and policymakers. Over three days, attendees will engage in debates, presentations, and hands-on demonstrations on the beach, exploring the latest innovations in coastal planning and equipment.

In its previous edition, the congress hosted over 200 participants, along with a strong representation of leading companies in the sector. The event is open to coastal management professionals, equipment manufacturers, engineering firms, universities, research centers, and students interested in coastal sustainability.

About Finnova Foundation

The Finnova Foundation is a non-profit organization that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship through European funding programs. Headquartered in Brussels, Finnova implements innovative solutions in areas such as sustainability, the circular economy, and climate change mitigation, helping public and private entities access European Union programs.

The ECOPLAYAS 2025 Congress serves as a key platform to share knowledge, present innovative solutions, and foster collaboration among key stakeholders in coastal protection. Finnova reaffirms its commitment to implementing sustainable strategies that contribute to environmental conservation and coastal economic development.

For more information about the event, visit: https://ategrus.org/congreso-ecoplayas-2025/

The project utilizes natural resources to strengthen the resilience of the Canary Islands’ coasts

Gran Canaria, Friday, February 14, 2025 – On World Energy Day, the LIFE COSTAdapta project stands out for its contribution to coastal and marine biodiversity protection through nature-based solutions. The restoration of traditional tidal pools and natural swimming areas in the Canary Islands allows for the implementation of sustainable and soft solutions that enhance marine life and reinforce coastal resilience, leveraging ecosystem energy to adapt to climate change.

The use of innovative materials in LIFE COSTAdapta increases biodiversity on the seabed and protects the coastline. Additionally, it promotes sustainable tourism and strengthens local economies. As sea level rise poses an increasing challenge, this initiative offers an effective strategy for coastal adaptation, utilizing natural processes and energy efficiency.

With a total budget of €3,409,864, of which €2,045,818 is co-financed by the European Union through the LIFE Programme, LIFE COSTAdapta has a duration of seven years and is coordinated by the Insular Energy Council of Gran Canaria (CIEGC). The project also includes key partners such as the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), the University of Cantabria (UC), INGECID, Raley Coastal Studies, ECOncrete AQUA, the Canary Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development, and the Finnova Foundation.

For more information about the project, visit: https://costadapta.energiagrancanaria.com/

About the LIFE Programme:
LIFE is the European Union’s funding programme dedicated to environmental and climate action. Since 1992, it has co-financed more than 5,500 projects across Europe, promoting sustainability and environmental resilience.

• Evelyn Alonso, PhD in Architecture and professor at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, highlights strategies such as coastal immunotherapy and the use of ecological infrastructures to strengthen coastal resilience.

Gran Canaria, January 30, 2025 – The LIFE COSTAdapta project took center stage at the Ecoislas International Forum on January 30 in Gran Canaria. Evelyn Alonso, PhD in Architecture and professor at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, successfully presented the key advances and approaches of this pioneering initiative in coastal adaptation to climate change. The presentation generated great interest, exceeding the planned capacity of 78 attendees and leaving some standing, demonstrating the growing commitment to sustainable solutions for coastal protection.

During the session, Alonso emphasized the need to rethink coastal protection by finding alternatives to traditional hard infrastructures, such as breakwaters and seawalls, which have a high environmental and social impact. In this context, LIFE COSTAdapta proposes an innovative approach based on “coastal immunotherapy”, reinforcing the natural mechanisms of the coastline to enhance its resilience against erosion and climate change.

Key strategies presented included:

•  The use of cobbles to strengthen the coast and mitigate the effects of extreme wave action.
• The design of ecological concrete structures, which not only protect the shoreline but also foster marine biodiversity.
• Local participation and environmental studies to ensure solutions are adapted to the needs of coastal communities.
• A progressive and modular implementation of the prototype, allowing adaptation to future scenarios such as rising sea levels.

The audience showed great interest in the social acceptance of the project and the use of concrete as a construction material. Alonso explained that the project location was chosen through a consensus process with stakeholders and that the concrete used has biodiversity-friendly properties, facilitating the colonization of marine species and integrating seamlessly into the ecosystem.

About LIFE COSTAdapta

LIFE COSTAdapta is a pioneering project led by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria (CIEGC) and co-financed by the European Union through the LIFE Programme (60%). With a duration of seven years and a total budget of €3,409,864, the project will design and test a progressive tidal pool-reef system, combining traditional techniques with advanced solutions for coastal adaptation.

The project is carried out in collaboration with seven partners, including: University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), University of Cantabria (UC), INGECID, Raley Estudios Costeros S.C.P., ECOncrete AQUA, Fundación Canaria para el Reciclaje y Desarrollo Sostenible (FCR), and Fundación Finnova.

More information about LIFE COSTAdapta: https://costadapta.energiagrancanaria.com/

The study reveals citizens’ concern for coastal protection and biodiversity

This morning, the offices of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria hosted the meeting held to publicize the technical part of the LIFE COSTAdapta project, which has been carried out on the coast of San Felipe, in the municipality of Guía de Gran Canaria.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of the Environment of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Raúl García Brink; the mayor of Guía de Gran Canaria, Alfredo Gonçalves Ferreira; Raquel Ramos, from Raley Coastal Studies; Nareme Herrera, geographer at the University of Cantabria; and Patricia Caro, of Marine Sciences at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

This project, which aims to adapt the reality of our coasts to the inevitable climate impact to minimise its consequences on the population and the ecosystem, presented, today, the diagnosis phase, where the responses of the citizens and groups involved in the study were shown.

Raquel Ramos, during her speech, spoke of the ideal objective of covering the two different areas in the project, although due to ease of execution, it focuses on Area 2, belonging to what is known as El Circo.

For her part, Nareme Herrera, from the University of Cantabria, made public the results of the neighborhood study, in which 81% would prioritize the protection of homes, the enhancement of the biodiversity of the area, and the recovery of the callao. 97% have suffered some type of damage due to direct impact from the sea, of which 53% have had to face annual expenses starting at 5000 euros. He also adds that the Canary Islands Surfing Federation does not consider, at the moment, important or at risk the situation of these homes.

 The Minister of the Environment, Raúl García Brink, proposes to send a report “with the firm commitment of the Cabildo, so that other projects can be carried out in other municipalities that have already presented their coasts so that this type of project can be carried out in them”.

Alfredo Gonçalves Ferreira, mayor of Guía de Gran Canaria, assured that “the only way for the Area 1 project to go ahead is the successful arrival of the Area 2 project”, and added that “from the City Council of Guía de Gran Canaria, we will collaborate in everything that is good for our coast,  our biodiversity, and for the neighbors who inhabit our coasts”.

About LIFE COSTAdapta

LIFE COSTAdapta is a joint effort coordinated by the Insular Energy Council of Gran Canaria (CIEGC), with the participation of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), the University of Cantabria (UC), INGECID, Raley Coastal Studies, ECOncrete AQUA, the Canary Islands Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development (FCR) and the Finnova Foundation.

This European project, funded by the European Union’s LIFE programme with a total budget of 3,409,864 euros, seeks to adapt the coast of Gran Canaria to the impacts of climate change through an innovative methodology based on Tidal Pool-Reef. Its objective is to protect homes, enhance biodiversity and mitigate coastal erosion, while guaranteeing the economic sustainability of the region.