Selçuklu Municipality has expanded its efforts to protect nature, preserve biodiversity for future generations and raise environmental awareness through an international project. The Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden, established at the Antalya EXPO Center as part of COP31, was officially inaugurated.

The opening ceremony of the garden, located in the Blue Zone, was attended by Wasim Mir, Director of the United Nations Conference Services Division (UNCCF); Deputy Director Julyet Kigundu; Rehap Ahmed, representative of the Conference Affairs Unit; Halil Erdoğan, Director General of Personnel at the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change; Meryem Göka, AK Party Konya MP; Selçuklu Mayor Ahmet Pekyatırmacı; Karatay Mayor Hasan Kılca; and Meram Mayor Mustafa Kavuş.

Expressing his satisfaction at being part of COP31, Selçuklu Mayor Ahmet Pekyatırmacı said:

“COP31, hosted by Türkiye, began yesterday. Under the leadership of our President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, representatives and heads of state from 198 countries have gathered here for COP31. Panels, meetings and discussions are now underway, while countries are also presenting their work and initiatives at their respective exhibition stands.

“This is an enormous organization. The planning and implementation of the event have involved significant contributions and efforts from COP31 President and Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum and his entire team, our Deputy Minister Burak Bakan, Director General Halil Erdoğan and their teams. United Nations Coordinator Wasim Mir and his team have also played an important role. I would like to thank them all individually.

“A truly magnificent venue has been created. Since yesterday, hundreds of thousands of participants have been taking part in the events here. The idea of establishing a butterfly garden within such a venue was an excellent one. When we were first approached about the possibility of undertaking this project, we were delighted and gladly offered our full support.

“The ministry then entrusted us with this wonderful space. In a very short time, we completed all the necessary work, from landscaping and planting to preparing the environment for the butterflies to fly freely. Today, with a team of 17 people, we are looking after a garden where more than 10,000 butterflies can now be seen flying.

“Butterflies are among the species most vulnerable to climate change. Even slight air pollution, an increase in carbon levels or any adverse impact associated with climate change can make it impossible for them to survive.

“The central theme of COP31 is climate change and the fight against it. Butterflies and this garden provide an ideal setting to reflect that theme. In this sense, we have brought to life a project that truly embodies the spirit of COP31.

“We hope the entire world can become like the environment in which these butterflies live. We must avoid pollution so that living creatures are not harmed by its effects. I am confident that the discussions and meetings to be held in Türkiye as part of COP31 will lead to very positive outcomes.

“Once again, I would like to thank all participants and wish our butterfly garden every success.”