On World Oceans Day, the project highlights its commitment to the protection and adaptation of coastal areas.
Pilar Santamaría represented the consortium at the preparatory meeting for the European Week of Regions and Cities 2026, coinciding with World Environment Day.
Monday, 8 June, Brussels. LIFE COSTAdapta has reinforced its European dimension following the participation of Pilar Santamaría, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Finnova, in the preparatory meeting for the European Week of Regions and Cities 2026, held on Friday, 5 June, in Brussels.
The attendance of Finnova’s representative, on behalf of the entire consortium, helped advance preparations for the project’s official participation in this major European event, which will take place next October. This important milestone comes during a significant institutional week marked by the coincidence of World Environment Day (5 June) and World Oceans Day (8 June). These two international observances underscore the importance of the actions promoted by LIFE COSTAdapta to improve coastal resilience through Nature-Based Solutions.
Coordinated by the Gran Canaria Island Energy Council (Consejo Insular de la Energía de Gran Canaria), LIFE COSTAdapta brings together scientific, technical, and communication partners committed to developing innovative solutions for adapting coastlines to sea-level rise.
Towards EURegionsWeek 2026
The European Week of Regions and Cities is one of the European Union’s leading forums dedicated to regional development and territorial cohesion. In this context, participation in the preparatory meeting provided an opportunity to contribute to the planning of the next edition of the event and to strengthen LIFE COSTAdapta’s visibility at the European level.
In addition, Pilar Santamaría, Head of Communications and Institutional Relations at Finnova Foundation, carried out networking activities on behalf of the consortium with EURegionsWeek organisers and representatives of the European Commission, including Alexander Ferstl and Klavdija Černilogar, Head of Unit at the European Commission. These meetings provided an opportunity to explore potential collaborations and present the project’s objectives and progress to key European stakeholders.
From the Environment to the Oceans: Protecting Coastlines to Protect the Future
The objectives of LIFE COSTAdapta are fully aligned with the global commitment promoted by the United Nations. The project works to develop solutions capable of reducing the impacts of climate change while simultaneously contributing to the conservation of marine ecosystems and the protection of the communities that depend on them.
On a day dedicated to recognising the fundamental role of the oceans in climate regulation, LIFE COSTAdapta highlights the urgent need to act in coastal areas, which are among the most vulnerable environments facing sea-level rise and extreme weather events. Through an innovative infrastructure inspired by the traditional Canary Islands tidal pools (“charcos de marea”), the project seeks to combine coastal protection, environmental regeneration, and climate adaptation, creating a hybrid model that can be replicated in other European territories.
About LIFE COSTAdapta
LIFE COSTAdapta is co-funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme and has a total budget of €3,409,864. The project is coordinated by the Gran Canaria Island Energy Council and involves the participation of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the University of Cantabria, INGECID, Raley Coastal Studies, ECOncrete AQUA, the Canary Islands Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development, and Finnova Foundation.
With a duration of seven years, the initiative is working to develop innovative nature-based coastal adaptation solutions that can be replicated across other European regions.
More information: https://costadapta.energiagrancanaria.com/
