Category: News

 The island will host, on 25 November, an in-person technical conference that will bring together experts, public authorities and citizens to address resilience solutions to climate change

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 14 November 2025.  The European project LIFE COSTAdapta will hold the First Conference on Coastal Adaptation to Climate Change in Island Regions next Tuesday, 25 November. The event will be in person and will bring together European institutions, local and regional authorities, universities and organisations specialised in coastal management. The conference will take place at the headquarters of the Gran Canaria Island Energy Council (CIEGC) and is part of the activities scheduled within the EU Region Week, Europe’s leading forum for territorial cooperation and innovation in public policies.

The opening session will be delivered by Raúl García Brink, Councillor for Environment, Climate, Energy and Knowledge of the Island Council of Gran Canaria, who will outline the island’s strategic commitment to coastal resilience. This introduction will be followed by Adrián Noheda, project manager and EU funding expert at the Finnova Foundation, who will provide an overview of the LIFE Programme’s opportunities and the importance of European cooperation in climate adaptation

The first block, focused on technical and scientific analysis, will be moderated by Patricia Caro Ruiz, project manager at the Institute of Oceanography and Global Change (IOCAG). Presentations will address methodological advances of the LIFE COSTAdapta project, current coastal dynamics in Gran Canaria and the challenges linked to sea-level rise. Speakers include Cecilia Ribalaygua Batalla (University of Cantabria), Leire Fernández Prieto (Raley Estudios Costeros), Aridane González González (University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), and Gustavo Pestana Pérez, Head of Climate Change for the Government of the Canary Islands.

The second block will take the form of a round table and will offer an overview of European coastal adaptation projects and experiences. The session will be moderated by Adrián Noheda, project manager at Finnova Foundation. Experts from the projects NATALIE, Blue Green Governance, IMPLACOST, MasDunas and Las Galletas, together with technical personnel from LIFE COSTAdapta, will take part. Among the participants are Rafael Herrera Checa, Gustavo Pestana, Aridane González, Jesús González Navarro, Marta Martínez Pérez and Patricia Caro Ruiz.

The conference aims to create a space for collective reflection on the transition towards a more resilient coastline. It also seeks to bring citizens and local stakeholders closer to the objectives of LIFE COSTAdapta and to clarify questions regarding coastal use, ensuring that adaptation measures will not interfere with the traditional enjoyment of beaches and will preserve the coastal identity of Gran Canaria.

LIFE COSTAdapta is advancing the design of an innovative system of progressive reefs and tidal pools intended to protect vulnerable coastal areas from sea-level rise. 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 consortium is composed of the CIEGC, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the University of Cantabria, INGECID, Raley Estudios Costeros, ECOncrete AQUA, the Canary Islands Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development and the Finnova Foundation.

Participation in the conference is free of charge, subject to limited capacity, and requires prior registration via the following link:  I Jornada de Adaptación Costera: el Proyecto LIFE COSTAdapta Tickets, Tue, Nov 25, 2025 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite

Full Programme:

• A participatory event to promote innovative solutions to climate change in vulnerable island territories.
• Institutional representatives, European experts, and project managers will come together at the event to discuss innovative solutions to combat climate change.

Brussels, Thursday, October 30. The European LIFE COSTAdapta project, coordinated by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria (CIEGC), will hold the first edition of the Conference on Coastal Adaptation to Climate Change in Island Regions on  Tuesday November 25th. This event is part of the “EURegionsWeek close to you” programme. The conference will take place at Foro Guiniguada, located at Carretera del Dragonal, 31, Council of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, at 9:00 a.m. (island time). Attendees will actively participate through brief elevator pitch-style presentations and idea exchange dynamics.

During the conference, the progress of the LIFE COSTAdapta project will be presented, together with other best practices in coastal adaptation applied on islands, through a dynamic and participatory format. The meeting will bring together institutional representatives, European experts, and project managers to discuss innovative solutions to tackle climate change in vulnerable territories. Key aspects such as funding challenges, public policies, and the replicability of models in other European regions will also be addressed.

👉 Register here: Eventbrite-Jornada-Adaptación-Costera-LifeCostaAdapta

A strategic alliance for coastal adaptation

LIFE COSTAdapta promotes an innovative model of coastal adaptation that combines traditional techniques with nature-based solutions. The main goal is to strengthen the resilience of the coastline, improve residents’ quality of life, and preserve economic activity linked to tourism an action that will be implemented in the San Felipe area of Gran Canaria.

The project is coordinated by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria and involves seven partners: the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the University of Cantabria, INGECID, RALEY, ECOncrete, the Foundation Foundation for Sustainable Development, Canarias Recicla, and the FINNOVA Foundation.

The total project budget amounts to 3.4 million euros and is co-financed by the European Union and the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) under the LIFE Programme.

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.