Expert says hosting COP31 could position Antalya as regional center for sustainable agricultural technologies, as Türkiye ranks 4th globally, 2nd in Europe for greenhouse area.
Antalya, on Türkiye's southern Mediterranean coast, is preparing to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) from Nov. 9-20, 2026, at the EXPO Fairground, with a leaders' summit planned in Istanbul.
The conference is expected to spotlight global efforts to combat climate change, including sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.
Speaking to Anadolu, Nuri Caglayan of Akdeniz University's Greenhouse Technologies Application and Research Center (ASETAM) said COP31 could significantly boost awareness and deployment of climate-friendly farming technologies, particularly in greenhouse agriculture.
"Climate-friendly agriculture is no longer just an option; it is a necessity, especially in the face of growing water scarcity," Caglayan said.
He noted that smart greenhouse systems can reduce water use by nearly 50% compared with traditional methods, while advanced models that recycle wastewater can achieve even greater efficiency. In fully controlled plant factories, water consumption can drop by around 90% compared to open-field farming, he added.
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Caglayan also highlighted the integration of agriculture with renewable energy through agrivoltaic systems, which combine greenhouse production with solar power generation on the same land.
"Special greenhouse coverings that generate electricity while providing shade can improve energy efficiency and support year-round production," he said, adding that "in Antalya's hot summers, solar panels create a beneficial shading effect that can actually enhance crop growth."
Türkiye ranks fourth globally and second in Europe in terms of total greenhouse area, just behind Spain, with Antalya accounting for a large share of that capacity.
"Hosting COP31 presents a major opportunity. Antalya could emerge as a key center for the application and development of climate-friendly greenhouse technologies," Caglayan said.
Beyond its global tourism profile, Antalya is also a major agricultural hub, benefiting from its mild Mediterranean climate and year-round production capacity.
The province accounts for around 40% of Türkiye's total covered agricultural land. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Türkiye's total greenhouse area has reached about 800,000 decares, with roughly 300,000 decares located in Antalya.
This production base underpins strong agricultural exports, with a significant share of Türkiye's tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplants and zucchini grown under protected cultivation.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the highest decision-making body of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and has met annually since 1995 to assess global climate action and negotiate collective responses.
COP31, scheduled for November 2026, will primarily take place in Antalya, with a leaders' summit in Istanbul. Nearly 200 countries are expected to attend, with talks focusing on implementation of the Paris Agreement, including emissions targets, adaptation measures, climate finance and carbon markets.
Source: Greenline
