Brussels, September 26, 2023. Climate change is causing a rise in sea levels along the coasts, posing threats to their ecosystems and communities. The Canary Islands are particularly vulnerable to these impacts, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
To address this environmental challenge, the European project LIFE COSTAdapta focuses on strengthening the resilience of coastal areas to sea-level rise while promoting the preservation of the unique biodiversity in these regions. To achieve this, it will experiment with an innovative and progressive system of tidal pool-reefs, partially utilizing the traditional technique of constructing tidal pools, which are common in the Canary Islands and the rest of the Macaronesia, for the coastal adaptation of Gran Canaria to climate change. All of this will also ensure the sustainability of the local tourism industry by allowing visitors to enjoy these areas, which not only provide a solution to potential flooding but also maintain the region’s appeal as a tourist destination.
On this year’s World Environmental Health Day, celebrated on September 26th, LIFE COSTAdapta aligns with the goal of protecting environmental health by addressing these challenges through a combination of traditional approaches and innovative technology to safeguard coastal areas. Through the adaptation and preservation of natural ecosystems and the promotion of sustainable tourism, these efforts seek to enhance resilience, preserve the environment, and contribute to the long-term health of a sustainable and healthy environment.
About LIFE COSTAdapta
LIFE COSTAdapta project aims to address the adaptation of the coast of Gran Canaria to sea-level rise through an innovative methodology. To achieve this, a progressive system of tidal pool-reefs will be designed and tested, combining traditional tidal pool construction techniques with advanced solutions.
This will contribute to the gradual adaptation of the Gran Canaria coast to climate change, which is crucial given the high vulnerability of the Canary Islands to climate impacts, including sea-level rise. In addition to strengthening the resilience of coastal areas, LIFE COSTAdapta seeks to preserve the characteristic habitats of these areas and protect the local tourist economy. The project will ensure economic sustainability by providing solutions against flooding and maintaining the region’s tourist appeal, which in turn will favor coastal stability.
The project, with a duration of 7 years and a total budget of 3,409,864 EUR (2,045,818 EUR subsidized by the European Union through the LIFE Program), is coordinated by Consejo Insular de Energía de Gran Canaria (CIEGC) by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, with the support of its seven partners.
About University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC)
The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) is a higher education institution located on Gran Canaria island, Spain. Established in 1989, ULPGC has established itself as a center of academic excellence, particularly in fields such as natural sciences and technology. The university strives to promote research, innovation, and international collaboration to contribute to the development of society and the region.
About University of Cantabria (UC)
The University of Cantabria (UC) is an academic institution of higher education situated in Cantabria, Spain. Founded in 1972, UC stands out for its commitment to quality education and cutting-edge research. Research plays a fundamental role at UC, with focuses across various disciplines and interdisciplinary collaborations. The university aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and sustainable development both regionally and globally.
About INGECID, Research and Project Development (www.ingecid.es)
INGECID is a company dedicated to research and project development. Its scope encompasses areas such as engineering, architecture, and sustainability. Through its experience in innovative projects, INGECID seeks to generate creative and efficient solutions for technical and environmental challenges. Its commitment to research and development contributes to process and technological improvements in projects.
About Raley Coastal Studies S.C.P. (www.raleyestudioscosteros.com)
Raley Coastal Studies S.C.P. is a company specialized in providing studies and analyses related to coastal areas. Through detailed research, it seeks to understand and identify coastal dynamics, environmental impacts, and potential solutions for sustainable management of coastal zones. Its expertise contributes to informed decision-making for coastal and development projects.
About ECOncrete AQUA (www.econcretetech.com)
ECOncrete AQUA is an initiative focused on innovation in sustainable marine and coastal infrastructure. Through the application of advanced technologies and resources, ECOncrete AQUA aims to mitigate the negative impacts of human constructions on aquatic and marine ecosystems. The initiative is grounded in ecological design principles and collaborates with experts in marine biology and other disciplines to achieve solutions that promote biodiversity and coastal resilience. In LIFE COSTAdapta, it is responsible for project design, implementation, and monitoring.
About the Canary Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development (FCR)
The Canary Foundation for Recycling and Sustainable Development (FCR) is an organization committed to promoting recycling and adopting sustainable practices in the Canary Islands. Through education, awareness, and collaboration with different sectors, FCR seeks to drive waste reduction and the preservation of the natural environment. Its work contributes to environmental protection and fostering a more responsible mindset within the Canarian community. In the project, it provides the socio-economic perspective for the implementation of LIFE COSTAdapta.
About the Finnova Foundation (www.finnova.eu)
Finnova is a non-profit Spanish-Belgian foundation based in Brussels and Spain, working to promote and develop innovation and entrepreneurship in the EU. Finnova’s experience in leading communication and project dissemination activities, as a leading entity in Interreg projects, combines with a proven track record in business creation programs and support for entrepreneurship, such as accelerators, incubators, and events, as well as its commitment to youth training and employability. Its role in LIFE COSTAdapta is to support project management and lead communication and dissemination of its results.