'The real success is to initiate a permanent transformation'

Ali Çandır, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Antalya Commodity Exchange (ATB), stated that COP31, which Antalya will host, is an important opportunity for the sustainable development of the city. Emphasizing that the future of agriculture depends on the protection of soil and water resources, Çandır noted that the fight against climate change is also decisive in terms of production, investment and competitiveness.

Stating that Antalya has a strategic position in Turkey's food supply security, Çandır stated that agricultural production is under pressure due to increasing temperatures, changing precipitation regimes and drought. Pointing out that unplanned construction, erosion and pollution threaten agricultural lands, Çandır said that the protection of natural resources is the basic condition for sustainable production.

Our priority is water management

Reminding that, as Antalya Commodity Exchange, they determined the theme of 2026 as "Water", Çandır stated that they discussed water management with the dimensions of agriculture, tourism, cities and industry with the "Joint Water Action Towards COP31" Antalya Water Summit organized in this context. Çandır emphasized the need to expand modern irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, reduce water losses and support the reuse of water, and stated that water is a common value that should be transferred to future generations.

concrete gain

Emphasizing that COP31 should not remain only an international meeting, Çandır stated that Antalya should prioritize projects that increase water efficiency, popularize renewable energy, protect agricultural lands and reduce waste. Pointing out the importance of cooperation between public institutions, local governments, universities and the private sector for this transformation, Çandır stated that the role of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey in the representation of the global business world at COP31 will also contribute to the transfer of sustainability targets to production life.

Çandır said, "We cannot evaluate the success of COP31 only by the number of participants or the meetings held. The real success should be measured by COP31 initiating a permanent environmental and economic transformation in Antalya. The issue is not only to maintain today's production, but also to protect the resources that will develop tomorrow's production."

Agricultural network target in the Mediterranean

Explaining that they, as Antalya Agriculture Council (ATAK), whose term chairmanship is carried out by Antalya Commodity Exchange, contributed to COP31 with a focus on agriculture, Çandır drew attention to the critical role of agriculture in combating climate change and ensuring food security. In this context, Çandır noted that they are carrying out studies on artificial intelligence and smart agriculture, climate finance, water and food security within the framework of the COP31 ATAK Consensus, and stated that CityMed AgriNet Mediterranean Cities Agriculture Network, which aims to strengthen agricultural cooperation between Mediterranean cities, will also contribute to the studies. Çandır emphasized that dissemination of climate-friendly agricultural practices and development of regional cooperation are important for the future of sustainable agriculture.

carbon footprint

Explaining ATB's work on carbon footprint in agriculture, Mayor Çandır noted that it is important to measure environmental impacts in production and popularize environmentally friendly production models. Stating that utilizing fertilizer and energy and irrigation will contribute to both the protection of the environment and the competitiveness of agricultural production in international markets, Çandır said that producers' access to technical support and financing should be facilitated.