Formed by a consortium led by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria and made up of european experts, the project has been reviewed by external evaluators and approved by the EU for implementation<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A significant majority of San Felipe\u2019s coastal residents, interviewed as part of the project, consider preventing further material damage to buildings and infrastructure a priority<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gran Canaria, April 10th, 2025-. <\/strong>Reducing the pressing impacts of the sea on the coastline.This is the main goal of LIFE COSTAdapta, a European R&D&I project aiming to find a viable solution towards adapting to sea level rise, using the San Felipe coast as a reference, and that is currently working on the preliminary designs for a demonstrator, based on data gathered in the previous phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LIFE COSTAdapta, as an environmental climate change adaptation project, focuses on reducing beach erosion, heavily impacted by storms and forecast to shrink between 20% and 94% in the coming decades. The project will neither eliminate nor significantly alter wave dynamics, aiming instead to absorb some of their energy and, through the reconceptualization of tidal pools, lessen the erosive impact on the coast and on onshore elements, much like natural systems such as reefs, sandbanks, or callao berms. An appropriate design will ensure that its effect on sedimentation mirrors that of natural beaches, thereby contributing to coastal stabilization and erosion reduction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n San Felipe\u2019s coastline is home to two notable waves, \u201cEl Circo Derecha\u201d and \u201cEl Circo Izquierda,\u201d which are being carefully considered in the demonstrator\u2019s design to ensure that their integrity is preserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe prototype\u2019s implementation is grounded in prior studies, empirical data, physical principles, and modelling outcomes, all aimed at reducing wave impact without significantly altering their behaviour, while balancing the diverse interests involved,\u201d explains Ra\u00fal Garc\u00eda Brink, Councillor for Environment, Climate, Energy and Knowledge at the Council of Gran Canaria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Garc\u00eda Brink also highlighted the project’s commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement: \u201cWe want to reassure all concerned parties that any potential changes to the hydrodynamics will be thoroughly analysed through modelling and on-site studies, including drone surveys and specialised measurement techniques, carried out at different times of the year and over several years. This will ensure an appropriate balance between coastal protection and the conservation of the coast\u2019s various uses, including sports activities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Given its demonstrator nature, LIFE COSTAdapta does not have the scope to cover the entire coastline. The implementation budget for the demonstrator amounts to \u20ac746,904.20, 60% funded by the European Union and 40% by the Council of Gran Canaria<\/strong>, limiting its physical reach. Nevertheless, the consortium is committed to maximising coverage within the constraints of budget, design, and recreational considerations. Should the demonstrator prove successful, its solutions could be replicated and scaled to other vulnerable sections of the San Felipe coast and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Transparency and Community Engagement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Transparency has been a defining value of LIFE COSTAdapta since its inception, with continuous dialogue and input from the San Felipe community. Numerous meetings have taken place between project members, residents, and the mayors of Santa Mar\u00eda de Gu\u00eda, both former mayor Pedro Rodr\u00edguez and current mayor Alfredo Gon\u00e7alvez.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In April 2024, Rodr\u00edguez, Garc\u00eda Brink, and the project team presented the details of LIFE COSTAdapta to residents. Garc\u00eda Brink stressed the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels and coastal hazards, aiming to safeguard frontline communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n