The Antalya Climate Assembly, implemented by Yuva Association with the support of the European Climate Foundation (ECF), has concluded its five-session process, bringing together 50 citizens selected from Antalya’s five central districts to develop shared solutions for the city’s water future.
Between 26 September and 24 October 2026, participants came together to learn, deliberate and develop policy recommendations addressing the impacts of the climate crisis on Antalya’s water resources. The process culminated in the presentation of the Water Manifesto, reflecting the collective recommendations and commitments developed by the Assembly members.
From Learning to Collective Decision-Making
Throughout the five sessions, participants explored the relationship between climate change and water security, drawing on scientific knowledge, expert contributions and their own experiences as residents of Antalya.
The Assembly addressed a range of interconnected issues, including the impacts of climate change on water resources, agricultural irrigation, water consumption in tourism, urban water management, drought and water losses and leakages.
The process began with two days of learning and information-sharing, during which participants engaged with experts and examined the challenges facing Antalya’s water resources. This was followed by two days of facilitated deliberations, where citizens discussed different perspectives, evaluated possible solutions and developed shared recommendations.
The final session, held on 24 October, brought the process to a close with the presentation of the Antalya Water Manifesto.
A Citizens’ Manifesto for Antalya’s Water Future
The Antalya Water Manifesto brings together the collective demands and commitments developed by the 50 Assembly members.
Its recommendations address key areas of water policy, including smart and drip irrigation, climate and water literacy in schools, groundwater monitoring, rainwater harvesting, water-sensitive agricultural transformation, sectoral water consumption limits, permeable urban surfaces and an integrated national water policy framework.
In addition to these policy recommendations, the manifesto includes a Citizens’ Water Pledge, through which participants commit to monitoring their daily water consumption, recovering domestic wastewater and promoting water conservation throughout society.
The manifesto also carries a message to the international community ahead of COP31, calling on the Turkish Government and local authorities to bring concrete examples of good water management practices from the Mediterranean Basin to the international climate agenda and to direct climate finance towards local water solutions.
Read the full Water Manifesto:
Water Manifesto – Full Text
Strengthening Citizen Participation in Climate Decision-Making
The Antalya Climate Assembly demonstrates how citizens can contribute directly to discussions and decision-making processes concerning the future of their city.
By bringing together people from different backgrounds and life experiences, the Assembly created a shared space for learning, dialogue and collective deliberation. The process enabled participants to examine complex water-related challenges from multiple perspectives and develop recommendations grounded in both scientific knowledge and citizens’ everyday experiences.
YUVA Association would like to thank all Assembly members for their active participation and commitment throughout the process, as well as the experts, members of the Scientific Board, Steering Committee and all stakeholders who contributed to its implementation.
The Antalya Climate Assembly was implemented by YUVA Association with the support of the European Climate Foundation (ECF).
