Month: March 2025

• World Climate Day reminds us of the urgent need to take action to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change
• The European project works towards creating nature-based solutions to strengthen the resilience of the coast against climate threats in Gran Canaria

Brussels, March 26th, 2025. Every year on March 26th, we commemorate World Climate Day, a key date to reflect on the importance of preserving the planet’s climate balance and taking action against the effects of global warming. In this context, the LIFE COSTAdapta project reaffirms its commitment to protecting the coast of Gran Canaria, a region particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

The recent floods and strong waves that affected the Canary Islands last week have highlighted the need for coastal adaptation measures. With waves over 12 meters high and flood risk alerts, coastal erosion and damage to infrastructure are becoming increasingly frequent problems, some media outlets have even speculated about the possible arrival of a new DANA (Isolated High-Level Depression) in the Canary Islands. In this context, LIFE COSTAdapta aims to mitigate these effects through innovative nature-based solutions.

Climate change is a global threat, but its impacts are particularly intense in island regions like the Canary Islands. World Climate Day reminds us of the importance of implementing adaptation strategies that minimise risks and protect coastal ecosystems and local communities.

About LIFE COSTAdapta

LIFE COSTAdapta is a European project developing an innovative tidal pool-reef system to reduce the effects of rising sea levels. This solution aims to protect marine biodiversity, mitigate coastal erosion, and minimize damage to coastal infrastructure.

The project is coordinated by the Gran Canaria Island Energy Council (CIEGC) and involves collaboration from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), the University of Cantabria, Raley Coastal Studies, ECOncrete AQUA, INGECID, Fundación Canarias Recicla, and Fundación Finnova. It has a total budget of €3.4 million, 60% of which is funded by the European Union through the LIFE program.

Patricia Caro, Project Manager at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), partner of LIFE COSTAdapta, presented the pilot project on Cadena SER last Sunday, March 9^th

On World Water Day, the LIFE COSTAdapta project strengthens its commitment to coastal adaptation and the sustainability of marine ecosystems

Brussels, March 22^nd, 2025 – Last Sunday, March 9^th, Patricia Caro, Project Manager at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) and one of the partners of the project, participated in the radio program Hora 14 Fin de Semana Canarias on Cadena SER to present the latest developments in the European project LIFE COSTAdapta. During her intervention, she highlighted how this initiative is developing innovative solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change on the coasts of Gran Canaria, with a special focus on sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Coinciding with World Water Day, today 22^nd March, LIFE COSTAdapta reinforces its commitment to preserving coastal ecosystems and promoting the sustainable use of water resources. This pilot project, funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme, focuses on designing and implementing tidal pool-reef structures, artificial reefs engineered to dissipate wave energy and enhance natural coastal regeneration processes.

During the program, Patricia Caro emphasized the key role of these infrastructures in coastal adaptation:

“The goal is to design them for adaptation purposes, supporting natural coastal protection processes through these structures. One of the main objectives is to stabilize the shoreline and minimize erosion, which is another risk associated with rising sea levels and increasing extreme weather events.”

LIFE COSTAdapta has a total budget of €3,409,864, with 60% co-funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme. The project is coordinated by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria (CIEGC) and involves the collaboration of ULPGC, the University of Cantabria, Raley Estudios Costeros, ECOncrete AQUA, INGECID, Fundación Canarias Recicla, and Finnova.

Every year on March 22, World Water Day serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting water resources and developing strategies for climate change adaptation. In this context, LIFE COSTAdapta proposes an innovative and sustainable solution for coastal protection, fully aligned with the goals of ecological transition and the mitigation of environmental impact on oceans.

The full interview is available on Cadena SER.

For more information about the project, visit its official website: LIFE COSTAdapta.

The consortium consolidates progress in coastal adaptation and outlines the next steps for the project

Brussels, March 14^th, 2025. Today, Friday, March 14^th , the third consortium meeting of the LIFE COSTAdapta project took place. This pioneering initiative aims to strengthen the resilience of coastal areas against climate change through the creation of tidal pool-reefs. During the meeting, the eight entities forming the consortium, including renowned universities and companies in the fields of engineering and sustainability, worked together to assess progress and define the next steps of the project.

The session began at 9:00 AM CTE (Canary Islands Time, 10:00 AM CET) with a welcome to participants. This was followed by a review of LIFE COSTAdapta’s progress in various areas: from management and coordination (WP1), including an evaluation of milestones and deliverables, to preparatory actions such as the creation of a promotional video (WP2), presented by Cecilia Ribalaygua and Francisco García (UC). From 10:10 to 10:35 AM, Iñaki Pérez (APP-ULPGC) shared results from development actions (WP3), followed by a review of implementation actions (WP4) led by Nuria Pérez (INGECID). The meeting concluded with a segment on communication, sustainability, and result replication (WP6), presented by Yolanda Durán (Finnova) and Iñaki Pérez (APP-ULPGC).

Among the most relevant topics was the community request for a protective wall, for which the final proposed structure was presented. Additionally, discussions were held on the potential evolution of species that could inhabit the project area, a crucial aspect for marine biodiversity.

Next meeting and project expansion

The fourth monitoring meeting is scheduled for October and will be held in person in the Canary Islands, allowing partners to visit the site where the structures will be placed. Taking advantage of this occasion, a parallel event will be organized to showcase the project and connect with other coastal adaptation initiatives in the region.

Moreover, the participation of European institutions is expected to expand the project’s reach and foster collaboration on future coastal adaptation efforts.

About LIFE COSTAdapta

LIFE COSTAdapta, funded by the EU LIFE Programme with a total budget of €3,409,864, is coordinated by the Consejo Insular de Energía de Gran Canaria in collaboration with universities and specialized entities in engineering and sustainability. Its innovative approach could serve as a model for other European regions affected by erosion and rising sea levels.

LIFE COSTAdapta brings together leading experts such as INGECID, contributing its expertise in sustainable engineering; the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the University of Cantabria, providing knowledge in natural sciences; and Raley Estudios Costeros, conducting coastal studies to identify the most vulnerable areas. ECOncrete AQUA leads innovation in marine infrastructure, while Fundación Canarias Recicla ensures sustainability in the Canary Islands. Finnova manages internal and external communications for the project.

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

• The European project, represented by Finnova, took part in the leading event on ocean governance in Brussels.

Brussels, March 7^th , 2025. This week, from Monday, March 3^rd , to Friday, March 7^th , Idoia Migura, Project and Communications Assistant at Finnova, attended the European Ocean Days 2025, an event organized by the European Commission at the Charlemagne building in Brussels to discuss the future of the blue economy and ocean governance in the EU.

The European Ocean Days 2025 gathered experts, policymakers, industry representatives, researchers, and NGOs to address key challenges in ocean sustainability and marine resource management. Over five days, discussions covered topics such as the implementation of the European Green Deal in the maritime sector, funding for innovative projects, the role of coastal communities, and the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.

One of the highlights of this year’s event was the matchmaking session held on the first day, which proved to be highly successful in fostering collaboration and connecting projects with potential partners. This session allowed LIFE COSTAdapta to showcase its innovative tidal pool-reef system, a solution that combines traditional techniques with advanced technology to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels on the coast of Gran Canaria. Through working sessions and networking with key stakeholders, valuable knowledge was exchanged on coastal adaptation strategies, emphasizing innovative climate change adaptation solutions.

LIFE COSTAdapta, funded by the EU’s LIFE Programme with a total budget of 3,409,864€, is coordinated by the Island Energy Council of Gran Canaria and collaborates with universities and entities specialized in engineering and sustainability. Its innovative approach could serve as a model for other European regions affected by erosion and rising sea levels.

For more information about the project, visit: LIFE COSTAdapta

Official event link: European Ocean Days 2025

Juanma Revuelta, CEO of Finnova, presented the project on Wednesday, March 5^th, at 4:45 PM at ECOPLAYAS 2025, a leading forum on coastal sustainability held in Castellón de la Plana, Comunidad Valenciana.

Brussels, March 6^th, 2025 – Climate change increasingly threatens coastal municipalities with rising sea levels and coastal erosion. In this context, the European project LIFE COSTAdapta was presented at ECOPLAYAS 2025 as a pioneering model for strengthening coastal resilience without compromising its natural balance.

During his speech, Juanma Revuelta, CEO of Finnova, outlined the key aspects of this initiative, which develops a tidal pool-reef system inspired by the natural formations of Macaronesia. This technique leverages nature-based solutions to reduce wave impact, promote marine biodiversity, and stimulate the local economy through sustainable coastal use.

With a total budget of €3,409,864 and 60% co-funding from the European Union through the LIFE Programme, LIFE COSTAdapta has a duration of 84 months and is led by the Gran Canaria Island Energy Council (CIEGC). The project consortium includes the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), the University of Cantabria (UC), INGECID, Coastal Studies Raley S.C.P., ECOncrete AQUA, the Canary Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development (FCR), and the Finnova Foundation.

The participation in ECOPLAYAS 2025 highlighted the role of European funds in coastal protection. Revuelta emphasized that projects like this not only enhance climate resilience but also provide replicable solutions for other regions affected by rising sea levels.

The event gathered public administrations, businesses, and industry experts to discuss innovative strategies in coastal management. The presentation of LIFE COSTAdapta reaffirms its potential as a benchmark for sustainable coastal adaptation and its ability to export this methodology to other vulnerable regions.

More information about the project: www.lifecostadapta.finnova.eu.