Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum, in his speech at the COP31 Area and Hotels Zone Roads Opening Program held at the EXPO Area in Antalya, said that the city has hosted different civilizations throughout history and hosted people from all over the world.
Reminding that Antalya will host COP31 to be held on November 9-20, Kurum stated that heads of state and government, as well as scientists, business representatives, non-governmental organizations and young people will come together in the city.
Emphasizing that Türkiye will not only host the organization, Kurum stated that they will share their experiences in the fight against climate change and the approach that considers development and the environment together with the world.
The institution explained that COP31 will offer important opportunities for Antalya's tourism, trade and international recognition, and stated that there was serious activity in the city due to the organization.
"These roads will remain for the future of Antalya"
Minister Kurum said that they act with an understanding of growing while protecting the environment and protecting the rights of future generations.
Stating that the 38-kilometer Belek Tourism Road has been completed within the scope of COP31 preparations, the Authority stated that over 21 kilometers of comprehensive work has been carried out in 4 main arteries, and a total of 16 thousand meters of work has been carried out on 12 connection roads.
The institution emphasized that the roads were not built only for COP31 and said, "Our guests will come, we will organize one of the most beautiful and important organizations in the world and the summit will end, everyone will return to their country. But these roads will stay here. For whom will they stay? They will stay for my brother from Antalya, our tradesmen, our tourism professionals, our youth and the future of Antalya." he said.
Stating that the EXPO Area will continue to serve Antalya after the organization, Kurum said that the facility, which has a closed area of approximately 160 thousand square meters, will be used to contribute to employment and production.
Work continues in the COP31 area
The institution stated that the EXPO Area of approximately 1 million square meters was reorganized within the scope of COP31 preparations.
Explaining that they planned the area as "Blue Zone" and "Green Zone", Kurum noted that official negotiations and meetings of international organizations will be held in the Blue Zone, and that the Green Zone will bring the climate summit together with the society.
Stating that the business world, academia, young people and entrepreneurs will also take part in the field, Kurum said:
"At the COP summit, we will tell the world about Antalya, Türkiye, and our civilization. We will once again announce the attitude of our President in favor of peace, tranquility and solution in every field. Nearly 100 thousand visitors and tens of thousands of people will be hosted in these facilities. Thank God, our work is progressing ahead of the planned schedule. We are working intensively with our 1,500 personnel and more than 300 machines and equipment. It has a very wide scope, from the steel construction to the roof, from the facade to the infrastructure, from the road to the parks." "We work simultaneously in one area."
Stating that a significant part of the main manufacturing has been completed, Kurum said that the remaining works will be completed in time for the organization.
The institution stated that Türkiye's work in areas such as zero waste, resilient cities, food security and clean energy will be explained at COP31.
"The Mediterranean is our common treasure"
Stating that the experience gained in the reconstruction of cities after the earthquakes of February 6, 2023 will be shared at COP31, Kurum noted that 455 thousand residences and workplaces were delivered in 2 years.
Referring to the zero waste studies carried out under the auspices of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's wife Emine Erdoğan, the Authority stated that they collected the leftover bottles within the scope of the Deposit Management System and reintroduced them to the economy.
The institution said, "The number of packages we have collected so far has reached 200 million. And our Antalya ranks first in the use of DOA." he said.
Referring to the fight against plastic pollution in the seas, Kurum said, "The Mediterranean is our common treasure. Our seas are not only an inheritance from our ancestors, but also the trust of our children. We will not allow anyone to pollute our seas, coasts, streams and nature." he said.
Stating that a fine of 219 million liras was imposed on 128 facilities determined to pollute the environment in the Mediterranean this year and 21 facilities were sealed, the Authority noted that inspections will continue to protect the environment.
The institution also announced that bottom mud cleaning works will be started in Fethiye next week in order to protect the marine ecosystem and coasts.
Emphasizing that Türkiye will realize the goals expressed at COP31 in its own country, Kurum said, "Some people will talk, we will do the work. Some people will watch, we will do the work. Some people will make excuses, but we will continue to produce work for our nation with all our ministers, deputies and governors." he said.
Following the speeches, the road investments were opened with the participation of Minister of Institution, Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, TOKİ President Mustafa Levent Sungur, members of parliament and protocol members.
