Month: February 2025

Aleix Castells, Head of Communications at the Spanish-Belgian foundation, presents this innovative project during the Welcome Session of the mobility program Genius

Brussels, 25 February 2025. – The fight against coastal erosion and the impact of climate change on shorelines was a key focus of the Welcome Day of the Genius Program of the Diputació de Tarragona, held at Finnova’s headquarters in Brussels. During the event, Aleix Castells, Finnova’s communications officer, introduced the 10 beneficiaries of the program and other participants to this European initiative that develops innovative solutions for the protection of the coast of Gran Canaria.

LIFE COSTAdapta embraces a nature-based approach to tackling rising sea levels. Its solution consists of a progressive tidal pool-reef system, inspired by the traditional tidal pools found in the Canary Islands and Macaronesia, aimed at reducing erosion and enhancing the resilience of coastal ecosystems.

Beyond the technical development, Finnova’s participation in this event helped raise awareness among young people about the importance of applying innovative and sustainable strategies for climate adaptation. This exchange underscores the need to combine knowledge, technology, and international cooperation to address global environmental challenges.

A consortium committed to sustainability

LIFE COSTAdapta has a total budget of €3,409,864, of which €2,045,818 is financed by the European Union through the LIFE Programme. The project is led by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria (CIEGC), under the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, and brings together a multidisciplinary team composed of 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 Finnova.

The presentation in Brussels strengthens the project’s commitment to awareness and hands-on learning, fostering the engagement of future generations in environmental protection and coastal adaptation.

• Juanma Revuelta, CEO of Finnova, will highlight European funding opportunities for sustainable projects on March 6, from 16:45 to 17:45 (CET)

Brussels, February 21, 2025. The European project LIFE COSTAdapta will be presented at the XXII ECOPLAYAS Congress, a key event in comprehensive beach management and climate change adaptation. The congress will bring together experts, researchers, and public administrations to discuss coastal sustainability and strategies for mitigating climate impacts.

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 16:45 to 17:45 (CET), Juanma Revuelta, CEO of the Finnova Foundation, will participate in the panel “Financing Innovation in Companies and Municipalities,” where he will deliver the masterclass “EU Funds 2030 Challenge for Sustainability in Coastal Municipalities: LIFE COSTAdapta and One Blue.” During his speech, Revuelta will address European funding opportunities for sustainable projects and will showcase LIFE COSTAdapta as an innovative model for coastal adaptation to climate change. Additionally, Finnova will present other initiatives focused on coastal protection.

The LIFE COSTAdapta project aims to develop innovative solutions for the progressive adaptation of the Gran Canaria coastline to rising sea levels. To achieve this, it will design and test a Tidal Pool-Reef system, combining traditional techniques with advanced technologies. This solution seeks to reduce coastal erosion, preserve marine habitats, and protect the local tourism economy, ensuring the region’s long-term sustainability.

With a duration of seven years and a total budget of €3,409,864 (€2,045,818 funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme), the project is coordinated by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria (CIEGC) and involves seven strategic partners: University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC); University of Cantabria (UC); INGECID, Research and Project Development;  Raley Coastal Studies S.C.P.; ECOncrete AQUA; Canary Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development (FCR); Finnova Foundation.

ECOPLAYAS: A key space for innovation in beach management

The ECOPLAYAS Congress is a leading technical event that annually gathers coastal sustainability specialists, including municipal technicians, tourism and environmental companies, researchers, and policymakers. Over three days, attendees will engage in debates, presentations, and hands-on demonstrations on the beach, exploring the latest innovations in coastal planning and equipment.

In its previous edition, the congress hosted over 200 participants, along with a strong representation of leading companies in the sector. The event is open to coastal management professionals, equipment manufacturers, engineering firms, universities, research centers, and students interested in coastal sustainability.

About Finnova Foundation

The Finnova Foundation is a non-profit organization that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship through European funding programs. Headquartered in Brussels, Finnova implements innovative solutions in areas such as sustainability, the circular economy, and climate change mitigation, helping public and private entities access European Union programs.

The ECOPLAYAS 2025 Congress serves as a key platform to share knowledge, present innovative solutions, and foster collaboration among key stakeholders in coastal protection. Finnova reaffirms its commitment to implementing sustainable strategies that contribute to environmental conservation and coastal economic development.

For more information about the event, visit: https://ategrus.org/congreso-ecoplayas-2025/

The project utilizes natural resources to strengthen the resilience of the Canary Islands’ coasts

Gran Canaria, Friday, February 14, 2025 – On World Energy Day, the LIFE COSTAdapta project stands out for its contribution to coastal and marine biodiversity protection through nature-based solutions. The restoration of traditional tidal pools and natural swimming areas in the Canary Islands allows for the implementation of sustainable and soft solutions that enhance marine life and reinforce coastal resilience, leveraging ecosystem energy to adapt to climate change.

The use of innovative materials in LIFE COSTAdapta increases biodiversity on the seabed and protects the coastline. Additionally, it promotes sustainable tourism and strengthens local economies. As sea level rise poses an increasing challenge, this initiative offers an effective strategy for coastal adaptation, utilizing natural processes and energy efficiency.

With 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 has a duration of seven years and is coordinated by the Insular Energy Council of Gran Canaria (CIEGC). The project also includes key partners such as 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, and the Finnova Foundation.

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

About the LIFE Programme:
LIFE is the European Union’s funding programme dedicated to environmental and climate action. Since 1992, it has co-financed more than 5,500 projects across Europe, promoting sustainability and environmental resilience.