PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Around one-third of the EU population lives within 50 km of the coast. Most European coastal regions are experiencing rises in sea levels driven by different factors associated with climate change. Sea level rise (SLR) can have significant impacts on settlements, infrastructure, people and natural systems - including flooding, coastal erosion and the submergence of low-lying areas along continental coastlines and on islands.
Recent studies have found that without mitigation and adaptation measures, coastal flood damage costs in Europe could double or triple by the end of the century, depending on the rate of SLR and on socioeconomic developments. Planning for SLR is critical to anticipate future changes and to start implementing measures at the most suitable time.
More than 70% of European shoreline protection against SLR involves “hard” solutions – such as sea-walls, dykes or barriers – which are effective and durable. However, they are costly and modify coastal dynamics, often aggravating erosion in other areas.
The Canary Islands are densely populated (c. 475 inhabitants/km2 on average). The population is irregularly distributed, and the density doubles in Tenerife and Gran Canaria islands, particularly along the coast where the largest towns and infrastructures are located, thus increasing the vulnerability of these zones. The project will be developed in the area of San Felipe, on the northern coast of Gran Canaria. It is considered as a hotspot, or priority action area for climate change, for which detailed studies and specific adaptation plans and measures should be developed.
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of the LIFE COSTAdapta project is to address the adaptation of the coast of Gran Canaria to sea level rise, by:
Designing and testing a new tidal pool-reef model, formed by the modular sum of pools and tidal pools. The system partially uses the traditional technique of building 'tidal pool-reefs' common in the Canary Islands and the rest of Macaronesia. The project will develop and design different construction elements (diffusers, walls, materials, etc.), and will validate a sustainable concrete (ECOncrete®) based on the use of recycled fibres and/or materials which has proven effective in improving biodiversity.
Protecting of the urban waterfront from the direct impact of waves, thereby reducing the flood area and height.
Providing new areas for benthic (i.e. related to the lowest levels of the ocean) species and habitats.
Promoting the use of the area as a place for leisure.
Minimising costs arising from the current impact of the sea on the urban frontage for renovation, repair and/or reconstruction, or eviction/relocation.
RESULTS
LIFE COSTAdapta will design and build a prototype of an intertidal tidal pool-reef composed of three modules with a total length of 71.5 m. This complex networked system is expected to multiply the current observed effectiveness of traditional tidal pool-reefs, providing a coastal protection effect across 0.14 ha and creating more space to encourage the preservation of coastal marine biodiversity.
Main impacts expected by the end of the project:
900 m2 of new marine habitats will be created.
100 m2 of coastal flooding will be prevented.
Vulnerability to climate change will be reduced across 0.39 ha.
The risk of coastal flood of residential areas will be reduced, with the potential to avoid c. € 410,000 of damage to properties.
Following the evaluation of this new type of adaptation action, it will be included in technological guides and promoted among decision-makers. As a result, at least two adaptation strategies, plans or programmes will consider tidal pool-reefs and the actions of the project will be included in at least one local plan.
