Climate Change Impacts on Coasts Highlighted at the 3rd Environmental Technical Workshop

The Cabildo of Fuerteventura held today the III Environmental Technical Day, part of its 2026 program of Courses, Sessions and Environmental Conferences. The Department of Environment, led by Carlos Rodríguez, offers this forum as a meeting point to generate specialized reflection and trigger responses to the main environmental challenges facing the islands.

The third edition centered on the impacts of coastal phenomena in the Canary Islands and Fuerteventura caused by climate change, featuring a series of expert interventions.

Opening Remarks

The inauguration was attended by Carlos Rodríguez, Councillor for the Environment, and Marlene Figueroa, Councillor for Ecological Transition and Environmental Sustainability.

“This edition tackles a reality that the islands are already living: the effects of climate change on our coasts. We will address it together with specialists to show where we stand today and what lies ahead.”

“The work carried out by the Environment Department is crucial, especially on issues we see daily on our shores.”

Marlene Figueroa highlighted the collaboration with the Fuerteventura Biosphere Reserve, adding:

“Our goal is to keep contributing scientific and technical knowledge to shape policies that raise awareness and enable strategic decisions for Fuerteventura and the rest of the islands.”

Key Speakers

• Asier Borja Furundanera – Oceanography and Climate‑Change specialist at Gesplan.

  • Presented the IMPLACOST project, a Canary Government initiative focused on coastal planning against climate‑change impacts.
  • Brought expertise as a marine ecologist, oceanographer and scientific diver, providing a rigorous and applied perspective.

• Jaime Díaz Pacheco – Professor of Physical Geography, University of La Laguna.

  • Analyzed the risk of extreme coastal events in the Canary Islands, emphasizing impacts on infrastructure.
  • Stressed the importance of the IMPLACOST studies on how marine storms affect island coasts.

  “We know the places that suffer the greatest impacts from extreme storms: mainly those exposed to wave action—infra‑structures, residences hit by the sea’s force, and promenades. In Fuerteventura, this includes areas such as Puerto del Rosario, Morro Jable, Giniginamar, among others. These are locations that worry us when we look to the future.”

• Juan Ferrer Serrano – Technician, Climate Change and Environmental Information Service, Government of the Canary Islands.

  • Discussed the Canary coastline’s vulnerability to sea‑level rise and presented adaptation and resilience solutions for Fuerteventura.
  • Highlighted his experience in infrastructure execution and project management.

• Reynaldo Ramos Sánchez – Senior Technician in Management and Organization of Natural and Landscape Resources.

  • Presented the IDAFE project (Innovation for Literacy on Climate‑Change Effects) and the MAC‑IDAFE territorial cooperation initiative (Madeira, Azores, Canary Islands).
  • Emphasized linking planning with action, addressing climate change from a territorial and educational standpoint, and promoting sustainable, participatory solutions for society.

Round‑Table Discussion

A concluding round‑table, moderated by José Domingo Ferández, Island Director of Ecological Transition, Environmental Sustainability and the Biosphere Reserve, examined coastal impacts in Fuerteventura driven by climate change.

Title: “IMPLACOST – a First Approach in Studying and Reducing Coastal Risks.”