Month: January 2025

• 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.

• The multimedia resource explains how the European project uses innovative solutions to protect coasts from rising sea levels, aligning with the objectives of the International Day of Clean Energy

Today, Sunday, January 26, 2025, within the framework of International Clean Energy Day, the LIFE COSTAdapta project has launched a new explanatory video that highlights its efforts to protect the coast of Gran Canaria against rising sea levels.

The project, led by the Gran Canaria Island Energy Council, is developing an innovative solution based on Tidal Pool-Reefs, which combine traditional techniques and advanced materials to protect marine ecosystems and coastal infrastructure. This approach aims to safeguard marine habitats, reduce risks to housing and infrastructure, and promote environmental sustainability.

With a budget of €3,409,864 (60% financed by the LIFE Programme of the European Union), LIFE COSTAdapta is a project that has the participation of various partners, including:

• Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria (coordinator)
• University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
• University of Cantabria
• INGECID
• Raley Coastal Studies
• ECOncrete AQUA
• Canary Islands Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development (FCR)
• Finnova Foundation

The new video, available in full on the project’s official website, presents the progress made and how the initiative contributes to the fight against climate change, protecting the region’s natural resources and encouraging community participation in areas such as San Felipe.

A local impact with a global vision

The project is developing a participatory solution that seeks to integrate the needs of the residents of San Felipe, guaranteeing their safety in the face of extreme weather events, protecting their heritage and promoting sports and economic activities in balance with nature.

Within the framework of the International Day of Clean Energy, LIFE COSTAdapta stresses that a sustainable transition starts from our coasts, with respectful solutions that combine innovation, tradition and social commitment.

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

The LIFE COSTAdapta project promotes marine biodiversity, protects homes and local heritage and preserves the sporting uses of the coast, with innovative measures backed by detailed scientific analyses.

The sea level on the Canary coasts has risen by about 4 mm per year in the last three decades and could rise by up to 30 cm by 2100, according to scientific estimates. Faced with this challenge, the European project LIFE COSTAdapta, led by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, proposes sustainable solutions for the protection of the coastline in San Felipe.

With a total budget of €3,409,864, 60% co-financed by the European Union’s LIFE Programme, the project involves seven entities: University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), University of Cantabria (UNICAN), INTEC-GID, EWA-BEL, ECOncrete Tech, Fundación Canaria Recicla and Fundación Finnova. Multidisciplinary teams from these institutions, together with social agents, work on the development of adaptive proposals.

The actions include the recovery of puddles and traditional natural pools in the Canary Islands. Innovative materials are used to increase marine biodiversity and ensure the protection of homes and local heritage, respecting the sporting uses of the area. An exhaustive study of San Felipe has made it possible to identify key aspects for decision-making, based on scientific data and detailed analyses.

The cultural and natural heritage of San Felipe stands out for elements such as the old school, the church of San Felipe and the archaeological sites, which require preservation measures in the face of climatic risks. Marine biodiversity is also prioritized with the recovery of algae, molluscs and crustaceans through innovative materials, promoting traditional shellfishing.

The coastline, known for emblematic waves such as the Circo wave and Vagabundos beach, faces high vulnerability. The analysis of coastal dynamics identifies two areas with significant retreat of the coastline. Marine and climate dynamics models assess the impact of waves in these areas and guide the design of effective solutions.

With this scientific basis, LIFE COSTAdapta is moving towards the implementation of adaptive measures that protect homes and environments without altering the natural balance. San Felipe is positioned as an international benchmark in adaptation to climate change, offering a replicable model for other islands of the archipelago and Macaronesian regions.

The project promotes natural habitats and innovative solutions to protect coasts from rising sea levels

Gran Canaria is positioned as a benchmark in the fight against climate change thanks to the LIFE COSTAdapta project, an initiative co-financed by the LIFE Programme of the European Union with a budget of 3,409,864 EUR. This project seeks to implement innovative solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure the sustainability of the island’s coastal areas.

The main goal of LIFE COSTAdapta is to strengthen the resilience of the coasts of Gran Canaria to rising sea levels, a problem that is becoming increasingly evident due to climate change. To this end, actions are being developed that combine the protection of local ecosystems with the use of advanced technology. Among the measures envisaged are:

Construction of artificial reefs: These structures will not only reduce coastal erosion, but also promote marine biodiversity, serving as habitat for numerous species.

Creation of tidal pools: A natural solution that contributes to the regeneration of coastal habitats, promoting biodiversity and protecting the most vulnerable areas.

Sustainable tourism management: The project promotes a model that balances the needs of visitors, surfers and local communities, ensuring that economic development does not compromise the natural environment or the quality of life of the neighbors.

A collective commitment to tackle climate change

LIFE COSTAdapta is led by the Insular Energy Council of Gran Canaria (CIEGC) and has a high-level consortium that includes the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), the University of Cantabria (UC), INGECID and the Finnova Foundation. This multidisciplinary collaboration ensures a comprehensive approach that combines research, innovation and sustainability.

In addition, the project not only seeks to adapt to the effects of climate change, but also to raise awareness among the local population and the sectors involved. Through workshops, communication campaigns and meetings with experts, the aim is to involve all the key actors in the protection of the island’s coasts.

 A replicable model for Europe

The impact of LIFE COSTAdapta transcends the borders of Gran Canaria. The solutions being developed have the potential to be replicated in other coastal regions of Europe that face similar challenges. This innovative and sustainable approach sets a precedent in managing the impacts of climate change on coasts.

Key data of the project

• Duration: From 2023 to 2027
• Total budget: 3,409,864 EUR
• Co-financing of the European Union’s LIFE Programme: 60%
• Partners: Consejo Insular de Energía de Gran Canaria, ULPGC, Universidad de Cantabria, INGECID, Fundación Finnova

More information:

Visit the official website of the project: https://costadapta.energiagrancanaria.com/

The European project made significant progress in coastal protection, focusing on strengthening resilience and preserving biodiversity. 

• Insights gathered through coastal vulnerability analysis and community participation shaped the project’s priorities for 2025, with a focus on preventing material damage to infrastructure and improving environmental conditions.  

As 2024 draws to a close, LIFE COSTAdapta reflects on a year of dedicated efforts to protect the coasts and communities of Gran Canaria.  Launched in 2023, the LIFE

COSTAdapta project aims to safeguard the coasts of the second most populated island in the Canary archipelago. Gran Canaria faces significant threats from invasive and destructive wave activity, phenomena increasingly linked to global sea level rise driven by climate change. 

In response to these growing challenges, LIFE COSTAdapta focuses on strengthening the resilience of the most threatened coastal areas, while supporting the preservation of the region’s unique biodiversity. 

Throughout 2024, our partners have worked tirelessly to develop a tangible solution to this pressing problem. The project has introduced an innovative proximity reef system, which is inspired by the traditional ‘tidal pool reef’ construction technique found in the Canary Islands and the wider Macaronesia region. 

However, the adaptive approach to extreme natural conditions is not the only distinctive feature of the project. LIFE COSTAdapta also stands out for its participatory methodology, which emphasises close observation and active listening. 

This year we conducted a coastal vulnerability analysis to identify the areas most at risk of flooding. We also involved the island’s residents to gather their opinions and needs in relation to the proposed technical solution. 

The results of these sessions have been very valuable in defining the project objectives for 2025. 

The main priority identified for the coming year is the prevention of material damage to buildings and infrastructure (81% of respondents), followed by the improvement of biodiversity and environmental conditions along the coast (19%), and the improvement of conditions for water sports such as surfing (0%), as well as the promotion of the use and enjoyment of the coast (0%). 

About LIFE COSTAdapta
The project, which spans seven years, has 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 is led by the Insular Energy Council of Gran Canaria (CIEGC) under the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, with the support of collaborating partners. The 7 partners are: the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC); the University of Cantabria (UC); INGECID, Research and Project Development; Raley Coastal Studies S.C.P.; ECOncrete AQUA; the Canary Islands Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development (FCR); and the Finnova Foundation.