• Through a demonstrator that mimics natural solutions such as reef–tidal pool systems, it aims to reduce erosion caused by rising sea levels.
• The LIFE COSTAdapta project continues to make progress toward its goal of offering sustainable solutions to protect the coastline against climate change. It is currently in the preliminary design phase of the demonstrator.

Brussels, 30 May 2025. LIFE COSTAdapta is a European project born in response to the increasing urgency of adapting to climate change and its growing impacts, such as coastal erosion, the loss of marine ecosystems, and damage to infrastructure. The project is being carried out on the coast of San Felipe, in the municipality of Santa María de Guía (Gran Canaria), where work is underway on the preliminary design of a demonstrator that will help reduce erosion without compromising wave quality.

LIFE COSTAdapta proposes an intervention inspired by natural solutions such as reefs, sandbanks, or berms, designed to absorb part of the wave energy and reduce its impact on land and buildings. Studies carried out so far—based on physical and digital modeling, on-site data collection, and topographic surveys—have enabled progress on a design that seeks to balance coastal protection with the conservation of the natural environment and the social and recreational uses of the coast.

“The current situation highlights the importance of adopting soft and preventive measures against adverse coastal events. Today, we have the opportunity to implement solutions that mitigate erosion and protect the shoreline without resorting to major construction. Failing to act now could result in the future need to build hard infrastructure requiring greater investment, such as a promenade that reflects wave energy and interferes with water sports—especially in areas already in urgent need of action, such as the Circo zone,” said Raúl García Brink, Councillor for Environment, Climate, Energy, and Knowledge of the Island Council of Gran Canaria.

Through participatory events and surveys, the project has gathered opinions, concerns, and suggestions that have guided the design of the demonstrator. The results reflect widespread concern over existing material damage to the coast and the growing exposure to storms. One comment collected during a survey stated:

“The road network, urban infrastructure, and power grid are affected, posing a constant burden for residents and a Civil Protection issue.”

These contributions have been key to designing an intervention that considers both technical aspects and local priorities.

About LIFE COSTAdapta

LIFE COSTAdapta is a seven-year climate change adaptation project with a total budget of €3,409,864, of which €2,045,818 is funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme. It is coordinated by the Gran Canaria Island Energy Council (CIEGC) of the Island Council of Gran Canaria and involves seven partner entities: the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), the University of Cantabria (UC), INGECID, Raley Estudios Costeros S.C.P., ECOncrete AQUA, the Canary Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development (FCR), and the Finnova Foundation.