Month: November 2024

• The aim of the project is to recover the culture of puddles and traditional natural pools of the region.

Brussels, 29 November 2024 – In the last three decades, sea levels off the coast of the Canary Islands have risen by almost 4 millimetres per year, a direct consequence of climate change that threatens both marine ecosystems and coastal communities. Faced with this reality, the European project LIFE COSTAdapta proposes an innovative, sustainable and participatory solution that is being developed in San Felipe.

The LIFE COSTAdapta project, with a duration of seven years and a budget of 3,409,864 euros (60% co-financed by the LIFE Programme of the European Union), seeks to design a non-aggressive solution for coastal protection based on the recovery of traditional natural pools and puddles in the Canary Islands. This approach, inspired by local culture, is complemented by the use of innovative materials that increase marine biodiversity and ensure the safety of homes and heritage at risk from rising sea levels.

A solution based on nature and tradition

The intervention, which combines traditional techniques with modern approaches, focuses on soft and sustainable solutions. The proposed structures not only mitigate the effects of coastal erosion, but also favour the regeneration of marine habitats, promoting a balanced coexistence between human activities and the natural environment.

A participatory and inclusive process

LIFE COSTAdapta stands out for integrating the needs of all users in the design of its solutions. Neighbours, surfers, researchers and authorities work together to ensure that the proposals do not alter the unique character of the Canary Islands’ beaches, preserving both their traditional use and their tourist attraction.

Project Impact and Leadership

Coordinated by the Gran Canaria Island Energy Council (CIEGC) and supported by partners such as the Finnova Foundation, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) and ECOncrete, among others, this project sets a precedent in climate change adaptation in vulnerable coastal areas.

• Protecting coasts and mitigating climate change are key objectives of the European project

Brussels, 15 November 2024. The European project LIFE COSTAdapta, with a budget of € 3,409,864 and a duration of 84 months, advances in its mission to protect and adapt the coasts of Gran Canaria in the face of the challenges of climate change. With the rise in sea levels and the impact on the coasts becoming more and more evident, LIFE COSTAdapta proposes a sustainable and innovative solution to mitigate the effects of climate change without compromising the ecological value or tourist attraction of the island.

LIFE COSTAdapta’s approach focuses on a tidal reef-pool system that combines traditional construction methods with innovative green engineering solutions. This system takes advantage of the construction of tidal pools, low-impact structures that protect the coast while improving local biodiversity and offering a natural and recreational attraction.

Objectives of the LIFE COSTAdapta project

Protecting coastlines and mitigating climate change: LIFE COSTAdapta seeks to strengthen coastal resilience by building reefs and tidal pools, helping to reduce the effects of erosion and sea level rise.

Promote biodiversity: These tidal pools act as natural habitats for various marine species, boosting local biodiversity and maintaining the balance of coastal ecosystems.

Making climate adaptation compatible with tourism: Through careful planning and environmentally friendly infrastructure, the project preserves the island’s tourist appeal, offering resilient and sustainable coastal spaces for visitors and the local community.

The project, led by the Gran Canaria Island Energy Council (CIEGC), has the collaboration of key institutions, including the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), the University of Cantabria (UC), INGECID, Raley Estudios Costeros S.C.P., ECOncrete AQUA, and the Canary Islands Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development (FCR). The Finnova Foundation also supports the initiative as a key partner in promoting innovative and sustainable practices in coastal management.

With funding from the European Union’s LIFE Programme, the LIFE COSTAdapta project is in line with the climate adaptation and environmental sustainability objectives promoted by the programme. This transnational collaboration combines scientific knowledge, technical innovation and environmental commitment to provide effective solutions to the challenges of climate change on the coasts.

Throughout its implementation, the project has advanced in the planning and implementation of tidal puddle reefs, with promising results in reducing coastal erosion and progressively adapting to climate change. It is expected that the proposed system will serve as a replicable model in other coastal areas of the Canary Islands and Europe, favoring sustainable coastal development that prioritizes both environmental protection and the well-being of the local community and tourists.

About the LIFE Program

The LIFE Programme is the European Union’s main funding instrument for the environment and climate action. Since 1992, it has co-financed thousands of projects in the EU, promoting initiatives for climate change adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and the transition to a circular and low-carbon economy. LIFE COSTAdapta is an example of how the programme supports the resilience of coastal communities in the EU to the effects of climate change.