The European project made significant progress in coastal protection, focusing on strengthening resilience and preserving biodiversity. 

• Insights gathered through coastal vulnerability analysis and community participation shaped the project’s priorities for 2025, with a focus on preventing material damage to infrastructure and improving environmental conditions.  

As 2024 draws to a close, LIFE COSTAdapta reflects on a year of dedicated efforts to protect the coasts and communities of Gran Canaria.  Launched in 2023, the LIFE

COSTAdapta project aims to safeguard the coasts of the second most populated island in the Canary archipelago. Gran Canaria faces significant threats from invasive and destructive wave activity, phenomena increasingly linked to global sea level rise driven by climate change. 

In response to these growing challenges, LIFE COSTAdapta focuses on strengthening the resilience of the most threatened coastal areas, while supporting the preservation of the region’s unique biodiversity. 

Throughout 2024, our partners have worked tirelessly to develop a tangible solution to this pressing problem. The project has introduced an innovative proximity reef system, which is inspired by the traditional ‘tidal pool reef’ construction technique found in the Canary Islands and the wider Macaronesia region. 

However, the adaptive approach to extreme natural conditions is not the only distinctive feature of the project. LIFE COSTAdapta also stands out for its participatory methodology, which emphasises close observation and active listening. 

This year we conducted a coastal vulnerability analysis to identify the areas most at risk of flooding. We also involved the island’s residents to gather their opinions and needs in relation to the proposed technical solution. 

The results of these sessions have been very valuable in defining the project objectives for 2025. 

The main priority identified for the coming year is the prevention of material damage to buildings and infrastructure (81% of respondents), followed by the improvement of biodiversity and environmental conditions along the coast (19%), and the improvement of conditions for water sports such as surfing (0%), as well as the promotion of the use and enjoyment of the coast (0%). 

About LIFE COSTAdapta
The project, which spans seven years, has 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 is led by the Insular Energy Council of Gran Canaria (CIEGC) under the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, with the support of collaborating partners. The 7 partners are: the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC); the University of Cantabria (UC); INGECID, Research and Project Development; Raley Coastal Studies S.C.P.; ECOncrete AQUA; the Canary Islands Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development (FCR); and the Finnova Foundation.