Author: costadata_admin

The international exhibition, open until Sunday 19 October at the Pavilhão da Oca, presents innovative coastal adaptation solutions to tackle climate change.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 14 October 2025 – The European project LIFE COSTAdapta, coordinated by the Consejo Insular de la Energía de Gran Canaria (CIEGC), is participating in the 14th São Paulo International Architecture Biennial (BIAsp), held in Brazil until Sunday 19 October.

The Biennial, considered one of the world’s leading international events on architecture and urbanism, brings together projects addressing major contemporary challenges, including adaptation to climate change. Within this framework, LIFE COSTAdapta is showcased as an example of innovation in nature-based solutions to protect coastal areas from rising sea levels.

The proposal, presented by the Architecture, Landscape and Heritage (APP-ULPGC) research group from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, introduces the creation of artificial tidal pools or eco-concrete reefs. These structures dissipate wave energy, reduce erosion, strengthen marine biodiversity, and provide new social, educational and scientific spaces.

The project is characterised by its multidisciplinary and participatory approach, combining environmental and landscape studies with community consultation processes in areas such as San Felipe (Gran Canaria), where the construction of a full-scale prototype is planned.

The presence of LIFE COSTAdapta at the São Paulo Biennial represents international recognition of innovation and of the Canary Islands’ commitment to coastal resilience in the context of the global climate emergency.

With a budget of EUR 3.7 million, 60% co-financed by the European Union’s LIFE Programme, the project is led by the Consejo Insular de Energía de Gran Canaria (CIEGC) of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, and brings together the following partners: University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC); University of Cantabria (UC); INGECID, Investigación y Desarrollo de Proyectos; Raley Estudios Costeros S.C.P.; ECOncrete AQUA; Fundación Canaria para el Reciclaje y Desarrollo Sostenible (FCR) and Fundación Finnova.

More information: official Biennial programme and LIFE COSTAdapta exhibition page.
  https://bienaldearquitetura.org.br/programacao/life-costadapta/

The archipelago will host the 1st Conference on Coastal Adaptation to Climate Change in Island Regions on Tuesday, 25 November

Brussels, 29 September 2025. – The European project LIFE COSTAdapta has been selected to take part in the European Week of Regions and Cities 2025 (EURegionsWeek), the largest annual EU event dedicated to regional and urban development.

In this context, on 25 November 2025, Gran Canaria will host the 1st Conference on Coastal Adaptation to Climate Change in Island Regions, organised by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria and the Finnova Foundation under the “EURegionsWeek close to you” programme.

The event will feature the participation of European institutional representatives, including a representative of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), as well as an official welcome by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria.

The conference will bring together European experts, project managers and local institutions to discuss innovative solutions addressing the impacts of climate change in island territories. The agenda will include dynamic “elevator pitch” presentations and interactive exchanges of ideas.

The aim is to showcase the progress of LIFE COSTAdapta and other good practices in coastal adaptation, while addressing challenges related to funding, public policies, and the replicability of models across other vulnerable European regions.

Practical details:
 Location: Foro Guiniguada, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
 Date:  25 November 2025
 Time: 09:00 – 17:00 CET
 Language: English and Spanish.
 

Through its participation, LIFE COSTAdapta strengthens its role as a benchmark project for sustainable innovation and coastal resilience in Europe. More information: https://costadapta.energiagrancanaria.com/

The European project shares a comprehensive diagnosis of the coastal environment and outlines specific solutions to tackle climate change

Brussels, 21 July 2025. The information panels presented during community meetings of the LIFE COSTAdapta project are now available on its official website. These materials provide an in-depth analysis of the current state of the San Felipe coastal area, its climate-related risks and the strategies proposed for adaptation.

The content covers historical, urban, environmental, heritage, social and climatic aspects. Key threats to the coastline are identified, including erosion, loss of biodiversity and rising sea levels. The panels also outline nature-based solutions, such as the design of tidal pool-reef systems inspired by traditional Canarian tide pools. These structures aim to protect the coastline while preserving its environmental, economic and social value.

LIFE COSTAdapta promotes an innovative model for coastal adaptation that merges traditional knowledge with advanced environmental engineering. Its main goal is to strengthen coastal resilience, improve residents’ quality of life and ensure the continuity of tourism-based economic activities.

The project has a total budget of €3,409,864, of which €2,045,818 is funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme. It will run for 84 months and is coordinated by the Energy Council of Gran Canaria (CIEGC), in partnership with the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (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.

The panels are available online at: https://costadapta.energiagrancanaria.com/

The Conama Foundation report highlights LIFE COSTAdapta as an innovative project for climate adaptation in coastal areas, alongside other leading initiatives such as Convive LIFE and the regeneration of El Saler beach.

Brussels, 11^th July 2025. The European project LIFE COSTAdapta, coordinated by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria, has been recognised by the Conama Foundation as an inspiring example of coastal adaptation to climate change. The project is featured in the national report “Nature-based solutions for coastal adaptation and resilience to climate change”, which showcases case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of sustainable coastal strategies in the face of sea level rise, erosion and habitat loss.

LIFE COSTAdapta stands out for its innovative methodology, combining traditional Canarian techniques with scientific advances through the progressive installation of tidal pool-reef systems. This nature-based infrastructure will be tested in San Felipe (Gran Canaria) to protect coastal ecosystems, preserve the economic and cultural value of local beaches, and strengthen the region’s tourism-dependent economy.

The project has been praised for its replicability, ecological value and support for blue economy initiatives. The report also emphasises the importance of social acceptance and public engagement, an area in which LIFE COSTAdapta integrates community voices and concerns, especially in areas popular for surfing and recreation.

With a total budget of €3,409,864 (60% co-funded by the EU LIFE Programme), the project runs for seven years (2023–2030). It is coordinated by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria and supported by seven partners: the Finnova Foundation, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), the University of Cantabria, INGECID, Raley Estudios Costeros, ECOncrete AQUA and the Canary Islands Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development (FCR).

Full Conama report available here.

Learn more about the project: https://costadapta.energiagrancanaria.com

Tomographic analysis identifies optimal areas for implementing nature-based solutions to climate change

Brussels, 4 July 2025. As part of the European project LIFE COSTAdapta, a 2D marine electrical tomography geophysical survey was carried out in May along the coast of San Felipe, in the municipality of Guía (Gran Canaria). This study allowed for the characterization of the marine subsoil down to a depth of 15 metres, identifying layers with loose materials and high porosity, which may be suitable for the future implementation of the progressive reef–tidal pool system, the central focus of the project.

The method used, non-intrusive and based on resistivity models, enabled the inference of the presence of gravels, sands, and cobbles with a high concentration of interstitial water, as well as areas with more compact rocky substrate. This information is essential for planning interventions that help adapt the coastline to rising sea levels through nature-based solutions, without altering local coastal uses or its touristic value.

The technical report includes six tomographic profiles and a georeferenced 3D model of the underwater terrain. The results have been integrated into the planning of the coastal adaptation system, which aims to reduce erosion, preserve coastal habitats, and improve climate resilience along the northern coast of Gran Canaria.

With a total budget of €3,409,864 and a duration of 84 months, LIFE COSTAdapta is co-funded at 60% by the European Union’s LIFE Programme. The project is coordinated by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria (CIEGC), with the participation of Finnova Foundation, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), the University of Cantabria (UC), ECOncrete, INGECID, Raley Estudios Costeros, and the Canary Islands Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development.

LIFE COSTAdapta is part of the European Union’s broader commitment to promoting sustainable, replicable and socially responsible adaptation solutions for the most climate-vulnerable coastal areas.

More information
 Project website: https://costadapta.energiagrancanaria.com

• The 2025 edition of the forum takes place in Rotterdam with a clear objective: accelerating resilience action across Europe
• From Rotterdam, Patricia Caro presents the scientific and technical approach that drives LIFE COSTAdapta as a scalable model within the EU

Brussels, 1 July 2025. Patricia Caro, project manager at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, took part in the 12th edition of the European Urban Resilience Forum (EURESFO25), held from Wednesday 25th of June to Friday 27th of June in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Representing the LIFE COSTAdapta project, she presented to an audience of experts in urban resilience, climate adaptation and risk management, the innovative solutions being developed in Gran Canaria.

During her intervention in one of the forum’s thematic sessions, Caro presented the innovative approach of the LIFE COSTAdapta project, focused on designing nature-based solutions for coastal protection, in relation to the specific situation of the Canary Islands archipelago in terms of coastal vulnerability, urban density along the coastline, and geographic isolation, thus introducing the impacts of climate change and the adaptation strategies developed in the region. She explained how the project is inspired by traditional tidal pool-reefs to build resilient infrastructures that help mitigate the effects of climate change, such as sea level rise or erosion. Her presentation took place in an open, interview style, in which she answered questions from audience and highlighted the potential of these solutions to be adapted and replicated in other vulnerable regions of Europe.

In the panel, which was shared with representatives from other outermost regions such as Guadalupe, common challenges were contrasted, such as exposure to extreme climate events and lack of connectivity. During the session, the artist CarlotaCatt visually captured the topics discussed in a final illustration that summarises the main messages shared:

Visual summary of the session, illustrated by CarlottaCat during EURESFO25

Participation in forums such as EURESFO25 is key to giving visibility to the work carried out in outermost regions like Gran Canaria and to positioning them as spaces for climate innovation. These gatherings, organised by ICLEI and the European Environment Agency(EEA), and co-organised in this edition with the City of Rotterdam and the REGILIENCE project, bring together hundreds of representatives from local administrations, academics, experts, and funders each year. Under the theme “Accelerating Action for Resilience,” the event served as a platform for sharing tangible, transferable, and fundable solutions in the face of an escalating climate crisis.

About LIFE COSTAdapta

LIFE COSTAdapta is a project co-funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme, led by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria, and supported by seven partner entities: the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the University of Cantabria, INGECID, ECOncrete, Raley Estudios Costeros, the Canarias Recicla Foundation, and the Finnova Foundation. With a total budget of €3,409,864 (60% funded by the European Union) and a duration of 7 years, the project aims to design and implement tidal pool–reef systems that protect the coastline from climate change impacts while also promoting biodiversity and sustainable development. The project combines technological innovation, scientific knowledge, and social engagement to create solutions that can be transferred to other coastal regions in Europ

• LIFE COSTAdapta is an innovative project aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change that affect the environment
• The projects demonstrator will boost marine ecosystems while trying to curb sea level rise to protect infrastructures in coastal areas

Brussels, 5 June 2025. Every year, since 1972, World Environment Day is celebrated to promote environmental awareness. It is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of caring for our planet and the actions we can take to nurture it. In this global context, marked by extreme weather events, biodiversity loss and coastal erosion, World Environment Day becomes increasingly relevant, each year on June 5^th.

This day celebrates not only the vital connection between humanity and nature, but also serves as a call to action for governments, organizations and citizens. It reminds us that sustainability is not an option, but an urgent necessity. Initiatives such as the LIFE COSTAdapta project exemplify how innovation, community engagement and nature based solutions can come together to generate real impact, protecting ecosystems and ensuring a more resilient future for generations to come.

One of the measures already underway comes from the European project LIFE COSTAdapta, which since 2023 has been advocating for the planet with nature-based solutions to fight climate change. The product of this project, currently in its preliminary design phase, will be an innovative and progressive tidal pool-reef system aimed at increasing biodiversity and marine ecosystems, mitigating erosion, and reducing sea level rise to protect coastal infrastructure that is currently at risk.

About LIFE COSTAdapta

The studies and design of the prototype are being developed in San Felipe, a coastal area in the city of Santa María de Guía, Gran Canaria. The project has a duration of 7 years and has a budget of €3.4 million, co-financed by the LIFE Programme of the European Union.

The project is led by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria, with the support of seven partner entities: the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the University of Cantabria, ECOncrete AQUA, INGECID, Raley Estudios Costeros, the Canarias Recicla Foundation, and the Finnova Foundation.

• Through a demonstrator that mimics natural solutions such as reef–tidal pool systems, it aims to reduce erosion caused by rising sea levels.
• The LIFE COSTAdapta project continues to make progress toward its goal of offering sustainable solutions to protect the coastline against climate change. It is currently in the preliminary design phase of the demonstrator.

Brussels, 30 May 2025. LIFE COSTAdapta is a European project born in response to the increasing urgency of adapting to climate change and its growing impacts, such as coastal erosion, the loss of marine ecosystems, and damage to infrastructure. The project is being carried out on the coast of San Felipe, in the municipality of Santa María de Guía (Gran Canaria), where work is underway on the preliminary design of a demonstrator that will help reduce erosion without compromising wave quality.

LIFE COSTAdapta proposes an intervention inspired by natural solutions such as reefs, sandbanks, or berms, designed to absorb part of the wave energy and reduce its impact on land and buildings. Studies carried out so far—based on physical and digital modeling, on-site data collection, and topographic surveys—have enabled progress on a design that seeks to balance coastal protection with the conservation of the natural environment and the social and recreational uses of the coast.

“The current situation highlights the importance of adopting soft and preventive measures against adverse coastal events. Today, we have the opportunity to implement solutions that mitigate erosion and protect the shoreline without resorting to major construction. Failing to act now could result in the future need to build hard infrastructure requiring greater investment, such as a promenade that reflects wave energy and interferes with water sports—especially in areas already in urgent need of action, such as the Circo zone,” said Raúl García Brink, Councillor for Environment, Climate, Energy, and Knowledge of the Island Council of Gran Canaria.

Through participatory events and surveys, the project has gathered opinions, concerns, and suggestions that have guided the design of the demonstrator. The results reflect widespread concern over existing material damage to the coast and the growing exposure to storms. One comment collected during a survey stated:

“The road network, urban infrastructure, and power grid are affected, posing a constant burden for residents and a Civil Protection issue.”

These contributions have been key to designing an intervention that considers both technical aspects and local priorities.

About LIFE COSTAdapta

LIFE COSTAdapta is a seven-year climate change adaptation project with a total budget of €3,409,864, of which €2,045,818 is funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme. It is coordinated by the Gran Canaria Island Energy Council (CIEGC) of the Island Council of Gran Canaria and involves seven partner entities: the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (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.

• Raul Garcia and Alexis Lozano share their experience in climate adaptation at the European Forum of the Mission on Climate Change Adaptation
• The Island Council and the LIFE COSTAdapta project attend the event held in Wroclaw, Poland

Brussels, May 21, 2025. Representatives of the Island Council of Gran Canaria took part on Tuesday, May 20, in the European Union’s Mission on Climate Change Adaptation Forum, held in the polis city of Wroclaw. At this international gathering, innovative strategies and solutions were shared to tackle the effects of climate change across Europe.

The Councillor for Environment, Climate, Energy and Knowledge, Raúl García Brink, along with the Director of the Island Energy Council, Alexis Lozano, presented the work being carried out in Gran Canaria to advance climate risk adaptation. In particular, they highlighted the efforts of the LIFE COSTAdapta project, driven by the Island Energy Council and funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme.

During the forum, experiences were exchanged with other European regions that are also part of the Adaptation Mission, with the goal of identifying best practices and fostering cooperation networks. “We have held more than twenty technical meetings with the European Mission, which has allowed us to update our adaptation strategy and strengthen our local capabilities,” explained Raúl García Brink.

The Mission on Climate Change Adaptation Forum is a key event on the European climate resilience agenda. Organized by the European Commission and the Polish presidency of the EU Council, this annual meeting brings together representatives of local, regional, and national governments, as well as scientific institutions and social stakeholders committed to climate action. Its goal is to facilitate the exchange of experiences, identify innovative solutions, and advance a shared roadmap to address increasing climate risks. Gran Canaria’s participation in this forum reinforces its commitment to effective adaptation connected with science, citizens, and European policy.

The Mission on Climate Change Adaptation Forum is a key event on the European climate resilience agenda. Organized by the European Commission and the Polish presidency of the EU Council, this annual meeting brings together representatives of local, regional, and national governments, as well as scientific institutions and social stakeholders committed to climate action. Its goal is to facilitate the exchange of experiences, identify innovative solutions, and advance a shared roadmap to address increasing climate risks. Gran Canaria’s participation in this forum reinforces its commitment to effective adaptation connected with science, citizens, and European policy.

LIFE COSTAdapta develops nature-based solutions, such as the reef–tidal pool system, to reduce the impacts of climate change on coastal areas. These types of innovations help protect homes and infrastructure from rising sea levels, while promoting marine biodiversity and the local economy.

Participation in forums like this strengthens Gran Canaria’s role as a region committed to sustainability and climate resilience, and establishes LIFE COSTAdapta as a European benchmark in coastal adaptation.

About LIFE COSTAdapta

LIFE COSTAdapta is a project funded by the EU LIFE Programme with a total budget of €3,409,864. It is coordinated by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria and involves collaboration with universities and entities specializing in engineering and sustainability. Its innovative approach could serve as a reference for other European regions affected by erosion and sea level rise.

LIFE COSTAdapta includes contributions from experts such as INGECID, which provides expertise in sustainable engineering; the Universities of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Cantabria, offering knowledge in natural sciences; and Raley Coastal Studies, which conducts research to identify the most vulnerable coastal areas. Additionally, ECOncrete AQUA leads innovation in marine infrastructure, while the Canarias Recicla Foundation ensures sustainability in the Canary Islands. Finnova manages the project’s internal and external communications.