How locals are helping authorities track landslides on the Atlantic coast

Heavy rainfall and landslides have become a pressing concern on Europe's Atlantic coast, particularly in the Canary Islands. Experts from five European countries have joined forces through the AGEO project to monitor and mitigate these risks. The project has prioritized strengthening cooperation between civil society and authorities, and has brought about significant advancements in geological risk management.

In Gran Canaria, rockfalls have become a daily occurrence due to heavy rainfall, with large stones often taking away cars. The local authorities have integrated geological risk into their Municipal Emergency Plan, enabling citizens to report possible landslides in real-time. This has led to rapid alerts and safer decision-making, especially in areas with no alternative secondary routes.

The AGEO project has also harnessed the power of citizen science, leveraging satellite data from the Copernicus program and geolocated photos from citizens to update risk maps. In the Canary Islands, three pilot projects have been implemented in La Palma, El Hierro, and Gran Canaria. These initiatives have not only improved risk management systems but also raised awareness about geological risks among local communities, including students in high schools.

The GC-60 road, a major tourist route in Gran Canaria, is one of the most exposed areas to landslides. The municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana has successfully integrated geological risk into its emergency plan, ensuring that citizens are alerted to potential landslides and can report them in real-time.

As the project continues to evolve, it is expected to share its findings and best practices with other regions, further enhancing geological risk management and community engagement.