Category: News

On World Oceans Day, the project highlights its commitment to the protection and adaptation of coastal areas.

Pilar Santamaría represented the consortium at the preparatory meeting for the European Week of Regions and Cities 2026, coinciding with World Environment Day.

Monday, 8 June, Brussels. LIFE COSTAdapta has reinforced its European dimension following the participation of Pilar Santamaría, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Finnova, in the preparatory meeting for the European Week of Regions and Cities 2026, held on Friday, 5 June, in Brussels.

The attendance of Finnova’s representative, on behalf of the entire consortium, helped advance preparations for the project’s official participation in this major European event, which will take place next October. This important milestone comes during a significant institutional week marked by the coincidence of World Environment Day (5 June) and World Oceans Day (8 June). These two international observances underscore the importance of the actions promoted by LIFE COSTAdapta to improve coastal resilience through Nature-Based Solutions.

Coordinated by the Gran Canaria Island Energy Council (Consejo Insular de la Energía de Gran Canaria), LIFE COSTAdapta brings together scientific, technical, and communication partners committed to developing innovative solutions for adapting coastlines to sea-level rise.

Towards EURegionsWeek 2026

The European Week of Regions and Cities is one of the European Union’s leading forums dedicated to regional development and territorial cohesion. In this context, participation in the preparatory meeting provided an opportunity to contribute to the planning of the next edition of the event and to strengthen LIFE COSTAdapta’s visibility at the European level.

In addition, Pilar Santamaría, Head of Communications and Institutional Relations at Finnova Foundation, carried out networking activities on behalf of the consortium with EURegionsWeek organisers and representatives of the European Commission, including Alexander Ferstl and Klavdija Černilogar, Head of Unit at the European Commission. These meetings provided an opportunity to explore potential collaborations and present the project’s objectives and progress to key European stakeholders.

From the Environment to the Oceans: Protecting Coastlines to Protect the Future

The objectives of LIFE COSTAdapta are fully aligned with the global commitment promoted by the United Nations. The project works to develop solutions capable of reducing the impacts of climate change while simultaneously contributing to the conservation of marine ecosystems and the protection of the communities that depend on them.

On a day dedicated to recognising the fundamental role of the oceans in climate regulation, LIFE COSTAdapta highlights the urgent need to act in coastal areas, which are among the most vulnerable environments facing sea-level rise and extreme weather events. Through an innovative infrastructure inspired by the traditional Canary Islands tidal pools (“charcos de marea”), the project seeks to combine coastal protection, environmental regeneration, and climate adaptation, creating a hybrid model that can be replicated in other European territories.

About LIFE COSTAdapta

LIFE COSTAdapta is co-funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme and has a total budget of €3,409,864. The project is coordinated by the Gran Canaria Island Energy Council and involves the participation of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the University of Cantabria, INGECID, Raley Coastal Studies, ECOncrete AQUA, the Canary Islands Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development, and Finnova Foundation.

With a duration of seven years, the initiative is working to develop innovative nature-based coastal adaptation solutions that can be replicated across other European regions.

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

• LIFE COSTAdapta will feature an official stand at the Networking Village of the 2026 Macro-regional & Sea Basin Strategies Days
• Finnova will participate in Brussels with the European projects LIFE COSTAdapta and One Blue
• Juanma Revuelta, CEO of Finnova, and Pilar Santamaría, Director of Communication and International Relations at Finnova, will attend the event on behalf of the project

Brussels, Monday 6 June 2026. The European project LIFE COSTAdapta will participate with an official stand at the Networking Village of the 2026 Macro-regional & Sea Basin Strategies Days, one of the leading European events focused on maritime cooperation, macro-regional strategies, territorial sustainability and governance, organised by the European Commission through the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) and the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE). The event will take place on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 July at the SQUARE Brussels Meeting Centre in Brussels.

The European Commission has officially confirmed the allocation of the exhibition space to LIFE COSTAdapta, which will be represented by Juanma Revuelta, CEO of the Finnova Foundation, and Pilar Santamaría, Director of Communication and International Relations at Finnova. The stand will be active during the Networking Village and the institutional activities scheduled between 17:00 and 22:00 on Wednesday 8 July, as part of a programme that will include working sessions, strategic meetings and an official dinner organised by the European Commission.

In addition, Finnova will share exhibition space with the European project One Blue, an initiative focused on protecting marine ecosystems and promoting a sustainable blue economy in Europe, thereby strengthening European synergies between climate innovation, coastal resilience and maritime sustainability.

Brussels brings together Europe’s leading maritime and macro-regional strategies

The Macro-regional & Sea Basin Strategies Days celebrate their third consecutive edition in 2026 as one of the main European forums dedicated to territorial, maritime and regional cooperation. Over the course of two days, representatives from the eight European macro-regional and maritime strategies — Alpine, Danube, Adriatic-Ionian, Baltic Sea, Atlantic, WestMED, Black Sea and Greater North Sea — will share projects, experiences and innovative solutions linked to sustainability, territorial cohesion and climate resilience.

The participation of LIFE COSTAdapta represents important European recognition of the work carried out by the project consortium in the field of nature-based adaptation and the protection of coastal areas against climate change. The exhibition space will provide an opportunity to showcase the solutions developed in Gran Canaria to institutional representatives, policymakers, experts, researchers and European organisations involved in climate action and coastal governance.

Finnova strengthens the project’s European dimension

The Finnova Foundation, the entity responsible for the communication and dissemination of LIFE COSTAdapta, will coordinate the institutional participation and networking activities planned during the event. The presence of Juanma Revuelta and Pilar Santamaría will reinforce the project’s European visibility, foster new opportunities for international cooperation and help build strategic alliances with key stakeholders from the European maritime, climate and territorial sectors.

In addition to the exhibition area, the event will feature high-level sessions on maritime cooperation, regional innovation, territorial sustainability and multilevel governance, consolidating its position as one of the leading European platforms for dialogue on maritime and macro-regional strategies.

LIFE COSTAdapta has a total budget of €3,337,563 and is co-funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme. The project is coordinated by the Gran Canaria Island Energy Council and includes the participation of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), the University of Cantabria, INGECID, Raley Coastal Studies, ECOncrete AQUA, the Canary Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development, and the Finnova Foundation.

More information: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/whats-new/conferences/EU-strategies-days-2026_en

• The European project has been officially selected to host a stand at the 2026 European Week of Regions and Cities.
• Finnova Director of Communications and Public Affairs Pilar Santamaría will attend the partner meeting organised by the European Commission on Friday, 5 June, in Brussels.
• The meeting will provide information on the official timetable, next steps and requirements for preparing the exhibition space.

Brussels, Tuesday, 26 May 2026. The European project LIFE COSTAdapta has been officially selected to participate with a stand at the 2026 edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities (EURegionsWeek), Europe’s leading event dedicated to regional policy, territorial cohesion, sustainability and innovation, organised by the European Commission.

The confirmation was communicated by the EURegionsWeek Secretariat following the completion of the evaluation process, which this year attracted a large number of high-quality applications from across Europe. Thanks to this selection, LIFE COSTAdapta will have its own exhibition space to present its innovative climate adaptation and coastal resilience solutions to institutional representatives, policymakers, experts, researchers and organisations from across Europe on 12, 13 and 14 October 2026 in Brussels.

 

Preparations for the Official Participation Begin

As a first step in the organisational phase, the European Commission has invited all selected projects and organisations to an official preparatory meeting that will take place on Friday, 5 June 2026, at the Karel Van Miert Auditorium in Tour Madou, the European Commission’s premises in Brussels.

Representing the Finnova Foundation, the organisation responsible for the communication and dissemination activities of the LIFE COSTAdapta project, Pilar Santamaría, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, will attend the meeting.

During the session, EURegionsWeek organisers will officially present the results of the selection process, the event timetable, key organisational milestones, preparation deadlines and the guidelines required to ensure the successful delivery of all planned activities. A dedicated question-and-answer session will also be held to address participants’ queries and coordinate the logistical and communication aspects of the selected exhibition spaces.

 

European Recognition for Climate Adaptation Solutions

LIFE COSTAdapta’s participation in EURegionsWeek 2026 represents significant European recognition of the work carried out by the consortium in the field of nature-based coastal adaptation and resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Each year, the European Week of Regions and Cities brings together thousands of representatives from European institutions, regional and local authorities, universities, research centres, companies and international organisations to discuss Europe’s key territorial challenges and share innovative solutions for sustainable development.

Participation in the event will provide international visibility for the project’s achievements, strengthen cooperation with other European initiatives and create new opportunities for collaboration in the field of climate adaptation for coastal areas.

Finnova Strengthens the Project’s European Dimension

The Finnova Foundation will play a key role in coordinating LIFE COSTAdapta’s participation in EURegionsWeek 2026, both in the preparation of the stand and in the communication and dissemination activities planned throughout the event.

Pilar Santamaría’s attendance at the official meeting on 5 June will mark the beginning of the countdown to one of Europe’s leading forums on regional policy, sustainability and territorial innovation. In addition to coordinating organisational aspects, the meeting will help foster new strategic partnerships and networking opportunities for the project consortium.

 

About LIFE COSTAdapta

LIFE COSTAdapta has a total budget of €3,337,563 and is co-funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme. The project is coordinated by the Gran Canaria Island Energy Council and includes the participation of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), the University of Cantabria, INGECID, Raley Coastal Studies, ECOncrete AQUA, the Canary Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development, and the Finnova Foundation.

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

• The European project participated in the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2026
• Patricia Caro Ruiz (ULPGC) highlighted “soft systems” as a response to the climate risk already present along the coastline
• Adrián Noheda (Finnova Foundation) fostered new connections in climate finance and international cooperation

Brussels, Monday May 11^th, 2026. The European project LIFE COSTAdapta, coordinated by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria (CIEGC), participated in the Global Sustainable Islands Summit (GSIS 2026), held on Wednesday, April 22 and Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Gran Canaria (Spain). The project presented its coastal resilience approach based on hybrid solutions inspired by nature.

The event featured contributions from Patricia Caro Ruiz, technical coordinator of the project and professor at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), and Adrián Noheda, project manager at the Finnova Foundation, the entity responsible for communication and strategic support of the project. This participation is part of LIFE COSTAdapta’s strategy to promote climate change adaptation in island territories through knowledge transfer, international cooperation, and the development of solutions applied to local contexts.

An international meeting for coastal adaptation in islands

GSIS 2026 brought together institutional representatives, scientists, and stakeholders from the blue economy sector to address sustainability challenges in island territories. With over 500 delegates representing 67 countries worldwide, the summit provided a platform for exchanging ideas and best practices.

In this context, LIFE COSTAdapta shared its vision on the need to integrate climate adaptation into coastal planning, based on the premise that climate change-related risks are already present along the coastline.

During her intervention, Patricia Caro Ruiz (ULPGC) emphasized the importance of so-called “soft systems” for progressive coastal adaptation, based on the combination of natural processes and adaptive design as an alternative to traditional rigid infrastructures.

Nature-based solutions: the reef–tidal pool system

One of the key elements presented was the reef–tidal pool prototype, a hybrid solution that integrates natural pools, artificial reefs, and living structures. This system is designed to reduce wave energy, enhance sediment stability, and create marine habitats, thereby contributing to coastal protection and biodiversity.

International cooperation and climate finance

During the summit, Adrián Noheda (Finnova Foundation) carried out an agenda focused on identifying European funding opportunities and establishing new strategic partnerships for scaling up nature-based solutions. His participation helped strengthen the project’s connections with international stakeholders in climate innovation and coastal management.

About the project

The LIFE COSTAdapta project, coordinated by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria (CIEGC), has a budget of €3,337,563, co-funded at 60% by the European Union’s LIFE Programme. Its mission is to transform coastal adaptation through hybrid systems inspired by nature.

The multidisciplinary consortium is composed of: 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 (FCR), and the Finnova Foundation.

For more information:
 https://costadapta.energiagrancanaria.com/

• The European project develops innovative nature-based solutions in Gran Canaria

• The initiative aims to protect the coast against sea-level rise and preserve its social, economic, and environmental value

Brussels, Friday, May 8, 2026. The European project LIFE COSTAdapta, coordinated by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria, celebrates Europe Day by highlighting its work in adapting coastal areas to climate change through innovative nature-based solutions. The initiative brings together public administrations, universities, companies, and European organizations to design, implement, and evaluate a coastal protection system that reduces erosion and wave impact, responding to rising sea levels and the need to preserve the Canary coastline.

Innovative solutions for the coast

LIFE COSTAdapta is developing a system known as a “reef–tidal pool,” which acts as a natural barrier against waves without relying on traditional infrastructure such as walls or breakwaters. This approach helps reduce coastal erosion, minimize flood risk, and maintain the quality of the natural environment.

Sustainability and climate adaptation

The project is based on principles of sustainability and innovation, combining scientific knowledge with solutions inspired by nature. Its goal is to increase coastal resilience to climate change while protecting biodiversity and maintaining the social and economic uses of the coastline, such as tourism.

European values in action

LIFE COSTAdapta reflects the values of Europe Day by promoting cooperation, sustainability, and joint action against climate change, in line with the priorities of the European Union. The project brings together partners from different European countries, strengthening international collaboration to protect both territory and citizens.

Impact in Gran Canaria and European outreach

The initiative is being implemented in pilot areas such as San Felipe, in Gran Canaria, with the aim of demonstrating its effectiveness and enabling its replication in other European coastal regions. In this way, LIFE COSTAdapta positions itself as a benchmark model for climate adaptation at the international level.

Funding and partners

The LIFE COSTAdapta project has an approximate budget of €3.4 million and is co-funded by the European Union’s LIFE programme. It is coordinated by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria and involves the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the University of Cantabria, INGECID, Raley Coastal Studies, ECOncrete AQUA, the Canary Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development, and the Finnova Foundation.

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

The project showcased its tidal pool-reef prototype in Gran Canaria as a solution to the concentration of climate risk on the island’s coastline

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, April 23, 2026. The European project LIFE COSTAdapta put the finishing touch on the Global Sustainable Islands Summit (GSIS 2026), held over the past few days in Gran Canaria. On the closing day, the initiative drew international attention thanks to the final presentation by its Technical Coordinator, Patricia Caro Ruiz (ULPGC), which focused on “soft systems for progressive coastal adaptation to climate change.”

Coastal Risk is Already the Present

During her intervention on the main stage, Caro warned that “tomorrow’s coastal risk is already here” and shared revealing data about Gran Canaria’s context: approximately 84% of the island’s population lives below the 400-meter mark, while 42% of its surface area corresponds to protected natural spaces.

This combination causes people, key infrastructure, and climate risk to be critically concentrated in a low and very narrow coastal strip. Faced with this challenge, the project defends a clear premise: “nature as infrastructure is a place-based adaptation logic.”

Hybrid Solutions: The Tidal Pool-Reef in San Felipe

As a major commitment to tackle sea-level rise, LIFE COSTAdapta unveiled the details of its future prototype in the enclave of San Felipe. It is an innovative “tidal pool-reef” that merges local coastal knowledge with adaptive design. This hybrid concept integrates natural tidal pools, living breakwaters, and artificial reefs to achieve three fundamental goals: dissipating wave energy, ensuring sediment stability, and generating new habitats for marine biodiversity.

Institutional Support and Global Alliances

Beyond the conference program, the project maintained relentless activity at its official stand. There, Adrián Noheda, an expert from the Finnova Foundation, connected with global leaders, policymakers, and blue-sector innovators to explore new avenues for climate finance and the scalability of Nature-Based Solutions.

The highlight in the exhibition area was the visit of Raúl García Brink, Environment, Climate, Energy, and Knowledge Counselor at the Cabildo de Gran Canaria. His presence at the stand reinforces the firm institutional commitment to the project and illustrates the strength and cohesion of the consortium when implementing transformative environmental policies on the island.

About LIFE COSTAdapta

The LIFE COSTAdapta project, coordinated by the Gran Canaria Island Energy Council (CIEGC), has a budget of EUR 3 337 563, 60% co-funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme. Its mission is to revolutionize coastal adaptation through nature-inspired hybrid systems.

The multidisciplinary consortium is made up of: University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), University of Cantabria (UC), INGECID, Raley Estudios Costeros, ECOncrete AQUA, Canary Islands Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development (FCR), and the Finnova Foundation.

For more information:

https://costadapta.energiagrancanaria.com/

• Patricia Caro leads Day 1 technical visits, connecting science, territory, and nature-based solutions
• Adrián Noheda, Project Manager at Finnova Foundation, promotes access to European funding to scale climate adaptation projects in islands

Brussels, 22 April 2026. The European project LIFE COSTAdapta has consolidated its role as an international benchmark in coastal adaptation during the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2026 (GSIS 2026), held at ExpoMeloneras (Gran Canaria), through a prominent participation that combines on-the-ground technical expertise with leadership in European funding for island territories.

Applied science in action: the key role of Patricia Caro

During Day 1 of GSIS 2026, the project’s Technical Coordinator, Patricia Caro Ruiz (University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, ULPGC), played a central role in the technical visits organised across key strategic sites on the island. These activities allowed international stakeholders to gain first-hand insight into real, operational solutions addressing climate challenges.

The visits included the Spanish Bank of Algae, the Salto de Chira pumped-storage system, circular economy initiatives such as ATH Bioenergy, and the protected natural area of the Maspalomas Dunes. This immersive experience highlighted the LIFE COSTAdapta approach, based on integrating natural solutions—such as reefs, dunes and coastal ecosystems—as key infrastructure for climate resilience.

Patricia Caro’s participation reinforces the project’s positioning as a replicable model that connects research, innovation and practical implementation in island contexts, aligned with global climate adaptation challenges.

European funding and partnerships: Finnova’s drive through Adrián Noheda

In parallel, the project has strengthened its strategic dimension through the participation of Adrián Noheda, project manager at Finnova Foundation, the entity responsible for the project’s communication. During the event, Noheda presented LIFE COSTAdapta as a success story in coastal resilience to an international audience, highlighting the importance of combining technical innovation with appropriate financing mechanisms.

He will also lead the side event “Unlocking EU Funding for Islands: Matchmaking Lab”, taking place on Wednesday 22 April from 11:00 to 12:30 in Side Event Room 1. This session, promoted by Finnova, will focus on presenting European funding opportunities for island and coastal territories, followed by a networking session aimed at building partnerships between public and private stakeholders.

The initiative seeks to facilitate access to EU funds and accelerate the implementation of projects related to climate adaptation, energy transition and sustainable development, consolidating Finnova’s role as a bridge between innovation and European funding.

Exhibition presence: LIFE COSTAdapta at the networking space

On 22 April, the project will also feature a stand in the GSIS 2026 exhibition area at ExpoMeloneras, where the LIFE COSTAdapta team, supported by Finnova, will present its innovative coastal adaptation solutions to institutional representatives, companies and potential international partners. This space will enhance the project’s visibility, foster new collaboration opportunities and bring its nature-based coastal resilience model to a global audience.

A global forum for climate action in island territories

GSIS 2026 brings together more than 500 participants from over 100 island territories, including policymakers, experts, companies and international organisations. The event is structured around plenary sessions, thematic panels, technical visits and side events that promote knowledge transfer and international cooperation.

The opening day also featured immersive technical visits that set a strong practical tone for the summit, along with an official ceremony reinforcing global dialogue among islands as key actors in the energy transition and climate action.

About the LIFE COSTAdapta project

The LIFE COSTAdapta project has a total budget of €3,337,563 and is co-funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme. It is coordinated by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria and includes partners such as ULPGC, the University of Cantabria, INGECID, Raley Coastal Studies, ECOncrete AQUA, the Canary Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development, and the Finnova Foundation.

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

More information about the summit: https://www.islandinnovation.co/events/global-sustainable-islands-summit-2026

• The European project showcases nature-based innovative solutions for climate change adaptation in island territories
• LIFE COSTAdapta will participate in the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2026 with presentations, networking, and its own stand
• Its presence at Innovation Island reinforces the project’s position as an international benchmark in coastal innovation and resilience

Brussels, 15 April 2026. In the framework of World Creativity and Innovation Week, the European project LIFE COSTAdapta strengthens its positioning as a benchmark in innovative solutions for coastal climate change adaptation. Through its participation in the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2026, to be held from 20 to 22 April in Gran Canaria, the consortium will showcase how creativity applied to engineering, sustainability, and international cooperation can address one of today’s major environmental challenges: sea level rise in island territories.

Innovation applied to coastal adaptation

LIFE COSTAdapta develops a pioneering methodology based on nature-based solutions to protect the coastline of Gran Canaria from climate change. Its innovative tidal pool-reef system combines traditional knowledge with advanced technology to reduce erosion, mitigate flooding, and enhance biodiversity.

This creative approach not only protects the natural environment but also preserves the social and economic use of coastal areas, especially in regions where tourism and interaction with the coastline are essential.

Creativity as a driver of climate resilience

Within the context of World Creativity and Innovation Week, LIFE COSTAdapta highlights the role of multidisciplinary innovation as a key tool to tackle global challenges. The integration of science, engineering, social participation, and local knowledge enables the design of solutions that can be replicated in other vulnerable territories.

The Canary Islands, identified by international organisations as highly exposed to climate change, thus become a real-life laboratory for testing sustainable solutions with global impact.

Innovation Island: a global meeting point

Participation in the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2026—also known as Innovation Island—represents a strategic opportunity to share progress, build partnerships, and attract funding.

During the event, LIFE COSTAdapta will feature:

• Participation in two presentations on 22 April to present its results and methodology
• Active presence in international networking spaces
• A dedicated project stand showcasing its innovative solutions

This forum will bring together institutional leaders, experts, companies, and international stakeholders around key topics such as energy, blue economy, climate adaptation, technological innovation, and sustainable finance.

In addition, the event offers special registration conditions, including discounts for residents and groups, facilitating the participation of local and regional actors.

A replicable model for island territories

LIFE COSTAdapta demonstrates that climate change adaptation can be addressed through a creative, sustainable, and economically viable approach. Its model combines environmental protection, local development, and knowledge transfer, aligning with European priorities for the green transition.

The initiative contributes to positioning Gran Canaria as an international benchmark in coastal resilience and nature-based solutions, reinforcing Europe’s role as a leader in climate innovation.

The LIFE COSTAdapta project has a total budget of €3,337,563, co-financed by the European Union through the LIFE Programme (€2,002,538). It is coordinated by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria and implemented by a consortium including 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 the Finnova Foundation.

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

More information: https://www.islandinnovation.co/events/virtual-island-summit/#speakers-page-1

• Adrián Noheda, Project Manager at the Finnova Foundation, will lead a session on EU funding for island communities

• Patricia Caro Ruiz, Technical Coordinator of the LIFE COSTAdapta project and Project Manager at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), will speak at an international session on nature-based solutions

• The European project LIFE COSTAdapta positions Gran Canaria as a global benchmark in coastal resilience

Gran Canaria, April 2026. The European project LIFE COSTAdapta is participating in the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2026, held from 20 to 22 April at ExpoMeloneras, Gran Canaria, organized by Island Innovation in collaboration with the Cabildo de Gran Canaria. This international forum, which brings together more than 500 representatives from governments, institutions, businesses, and academia across over 100 island territories, serves as a platform for the project consortium to present innovative solutions to climate change, with the aim of strengthening coastal resilience and fostering international cooperation in island regions.

The project’s participation is represented by Patricia Caro Ruiz, Technical Coordinator of LIFE COSTAdapta, responsible for the project’s technical management and implementation in Gran Canaria, and Adrián Noheda, Project Manager at the Finnova Foundation and consortium partner, specializing in EU funding and partnership building.

Nature-based solutions to protect coastlines

Patricia Caro will take part on Wednesday, 22 April at 13:30 in the session “Nature as Infrastructure: Coastal Protection & Community Resilience”, lasting 45 minutes, where she will present the progress of LIFE COSTAdapta in nature-based coastal adaptation alongside international experts from institutional, scientific, and technical fields. Participants include representatives from the Government of Gran Canaria, international organizations, and consultancies specializing in climate resilience.

This session will explore how natural solutions such as reefs, dunes, and wetlands can function as infrastructure to protect coastlines. In this context, LIFE COSTAdapta will present its hybrid tidal pool-reef system, designed to mitigate the impact of sea level rise in the Canary Islands by reducing erosion and flooding, while enhancing biodiversity and supporting key economic activities such as tourism.

EU funding and international cooperation

Adrián Noheda will lead the side event “Unlocking EU Funding for Islands: Matchmaking Lab”, taking place on Wednesday, 22 April from 11:00 to 12:30 in Side Event Room 1, with a total duration of 90 minutes. During the first 30 minutes, he will present key EU funding opportunities for island and coastal territories, followed by a networking session facilitated by the event organizers to connect public and private stakeholders.

This session aims to explain how to access EU funding and build strategic partnerships to advance climate adaptation, energy transition, and sustainable development projects in island regions.

A global forum for climate action

The Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2026 is consolidating its position as the leading international forum on sustainability in island territories, where policymakers, technical experts, companies, and international organizations exchange knowledge and promote solutions to global challenges such as climate change, the blue economy, and energy transition.

The event features plenary sessions, thematic panels, and side events designed to foster international collaboration, project development, and knowledge transfer among island regions worldwide.

About the LIFE COSTAdapta project

The LIFE COSTAdapta project has a total budget of €3,337,563 and is co-funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme.

Coordinated by the Insular Energy Council of Gran Canaria, the consortium includes entities such as ULPGC, the University of Cantabria, INGECID, Raley Estudios Costeros, ECOncrete AQUA, the Canary Islands Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development, and the Finnova Foundation.

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

The project strengthens its alliances to ensure that coastal adaptation to climate change is built on active listening and citizen participation

Brussels / Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, March 26, 2026. Today, coinciding with the celebration of World Climate Day, the LIFE COSTAdapta project, co-funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme, highlights the essential role of citizen participation in climate change adaptation. With this goal in mind, last Thursday, Yolanda Durán, Communications Manager at the Finnova Foundation, held a strategic meeting with Rayco and Eneritz, community participation leaders from the Welcome to San Borondón agency.

This working session made it possible to advance coordination between both entities and reinforce the synergies between the project’s European institutional communication and the local, visual, and community-based approach developed by this agency to bring the initiative closer to the residents of the affected areas.

Synergies for closer and more effective communication

During the meeting, joint lines of work were discussed to ensure that information about LIFE COSTAdapta reaches the residents of the intervention areas in a clear, accessible, and understandable way. It was agreed to integrate the strategic communication led by Finnova with the participatory formats promoted by Welcome to San Borondón, such as audiovisual materials, community dynamics, and visual content adapted to the territory.

Integrating diverse territorial sensitivities

A central point of the meeting was the need to work with all local stakeholders to ensure that coastal adaptation is built on consensus. The areas where the project will be implemented concentrate highly diverse coastal uses; therefore, citizen participation will be essential to identify concerns, resolve doubts, and ensure that the proposed solutions respond to the real needs of the territory.

The team agreed to strengthen communication channels and design specific actions to bring the project closer to the affected parties, promoting a transparent and participatory process.

Next steps and follow-up meetings

The meeting also allowed for the planning of upcoming follow-up meetings, which will guarantee continuous coordination between the teams. This roadmap will make it possible to adapt the communication and dissemination of the project to each specific location, taking into account the social, cultural, and environmental particularities of each coastal area.

Connecting with affected stakeholders: a project priority

One of the central axes of the meeting was the need to bring the project closer to the neighbors living on the coastline, who will be the main beneficiaries of the adaptation solutions. Welcome to San Borondón shared its experience in participatory methodologies that facilitate the understanding of the project and foster real community involvement.

This vision reinforces the central message of LIFE COSTAdapta: coastal adaptation is not just a technical intervention, but a social process that must be built together with citizens to effectively tackle climate change.

About LIFE COSTAdapta

The LIFE COSTAdapta project, coordinated by the Gran Canaria Island Energy Council (CIEGC), has a budget of EUR 3 337 563, 60% co-funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme. Its objective is to develop an innovative tidal pool-reef methodology, combining traditional and modern techniques to strengthen coastal protection and conserve both the natural environment and the tourism economy.

The consortium is made up of: University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), University of Cantabria (UC), INGECID, Raley Estudios Costeros, ECOncrete AQUA, Canary Islands Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development (FCR), and the Finnova Foundation.