In the framework of UNESCO’s Digital Learning Week, the project highlights the use of mathematical modeling and digital coastal monitoring tools as decision-making pillars
Translating complex scientific data into accessible visuals enabled San Felipe residents and El Circo surfers last July to understand how the innovative ‘Tidal Pool-Reef’ system operates
Brussels 9 September 2026. On the occasion of the Digital Learning Week promoted by UNESCO, the European project LIFE COSTAdapta highlights the strategic role of digital modeling, data simulation, and scientific pedagogy in addressing the challenge of adapting our coastlines to rising sea levels.
In modern coastal engineering, climate action and learning begin in the digital environment. The LIFE COSTAdapta consortium employs state-of-the-art technologies to mathematically model how waves interact with the northern coast of Gran Canaria and to carry out precise tracking of beach evolution in specific enclaves like San Felipe. These digital simulations allow researchers from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) and the University of Cantabria (UC) to predict future climate scenarios and optimize the structural design of the innovative ‘Tidal Pool-Reef’ (arrecife-charcos de marea) system.
Environmental Education for Co-design owever, digital learning is not restricted to the scientific community. One of LIFE COSTAdapta’s primary goals, in line with UNESCO’s philosophy of democratizing technological knowledge, is to transfer this complex digital data to society in an accessible and educational format.
A clear example of this was the community-listening campaign carried out last July in the neighborhood of San Felipe and the surf-break area of El Circo. Through an itinerant campaign utilizing physical, interactive wooden display boards, the project team “translated” the coastline’s digital simulations and profiles. This allowed neighbors, surfers, and visitors of all ages to understand the physics behind the tide pools. This pedagogical exercise fostered a transparent dialogue, enabling the community to provide feedback grounded in a real understanding of the project’s science.
About the Project
LIFE COSTAdapta has a duration of 7 years (84 months) and a total budget of €3,409,864, of which €2,045,818 is co-funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme. Coordinated by the Consejo Insular de la Energía de Gran Canaria (CIEGC) of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, the multidisciplinary consortium is composed of CIEGC, 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 (Canarias Recicla – FCR), and the Finnova Foundation.
For more information: https://costadapta.energiagrancanaria.com/