Muğla Prepares for Mediterranean Climate Summit

September 25, 2026 · Tarım Pusulası

The summit, organized in collaboration with Muğla Metropolitan Municipality and ICLEI Europe, will address common strategies against drought, water scarcity, and climate risks in the Mediterranean basin ahead of COP31.

Muğla Metropolitan Municipality and ICLEI Europe, the Local Governments for Sustainability network, are preparing for a significant meeting to protect the environmental future of the Mediterranean. In collaboration between the two institutions, the Mediterranean Climate Summit will be held on September 28-29, 2026, at the Türkan Saylan Contemporary Life Center. Local governments, public institutions, scientists, non-governmental organizations, and representatives will come together at the international summit. Policies to increase the region's resilience against climate change will be comprehensively addressed and discussed at the meeting.

According to data shared by Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, over 510 million people in the Mediterranean basin, which is warming faster than the global average, face direct climate-related threats. Extreme heatwaves, severe drought, forest fires, flash floods, and water scarcity pressuring agricultural production pose serious risks in the region. As rainfall decreases, the water crisis is expected to reach critical levels, making it vital to build resilient cities and establish common mechanisms.

Key topics directly concerning the Mediterranean ecosystem will be discussed in the summit's technical sessions. The Ocean and Seas session will evaluate marine ecosystems and sea-level rise, while the Climate Resilient Cities session will discuss drought and water scarcity. Additionally, the Green Transition and Fossil Fuel Exit session will cover just transition and clean energy. The Strengthening Regional Cooperation in the Mediterranean session will involve a detailed evaluation of common struggle strategies for local governments.

A joint declaration to be prepared within the scope of the summit will provide a strong input to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) process to be held in Turkey. The drought and climate-related problems of Mediterranean countries will be conveyed to the international community through this declaration.

Ahmet Aras, President of the Union of Coastal Municipalities and Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, highlighted the summit's role in bringing stakeholders together:

Throughout the event, a 3D virtual reality demonstration titled 'Depths of Blue' will be presented in a special dome tent set up at Cengiz Bektaş Park. In approximately 10-minute demonstrations, seagrasses and underwater ecosystems will be explained to groups of 15-20 people.

Pointing to the importance of regional cooperation, Ahmet Aras, President of the Union of Coastal Municipalities and Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, emphasized the global dimension of the process:

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