The hydroponic greenhouse established by the Parks and Gardens Department of Bodrum Municipality in Ortakent is a pioneering response to the growing challenges of climate change—especially water scarcity, extreme heat, and erratic weather. Aligned with the principles of the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus, the system enables efficient, soil-free vegetable cultivation while minimizing environmental impact. Its closed-loop, water-saving design and sustainable operation ensure a reliable food supply even during harsh summer conditions. This initiative provides a scalable, eco-conscious model for urban agriculture in a rapidly warming world.
Descriptive Summary
Background
The Bodrum region is already feeling the real effects of climate change. Higher temperatures, lower humidity, and dwindling water resources are putting intense pressure on conventional farming practices. In response, the hydroponic system was introduced as a resilient agricultural model, capable of maintaining food production during heatwaves and extended dry periods. Though it doesn’t use advanced climate-control technologies or solar energy, the system is still remarkably efficient and resource-conscious, enabling vegetable cultivation without the need for fertile soil or large volumes of water. This makes it especially valuable for Mediterranean municipalities facing seasonal drought and growing land-use challenges.
Aims and Goals
- Water Efficiency: Minimize water use through a recirculating hydroponic system that drastically reduces the amount of water required per kilogram of produce.
- Energy Responsibility: Maintain low operational energy demand while avoiding excessive reliance on conventional agricultural machinery and irrigation systems.
- Food Security & Quality: Provide fresh, safe, and nutritious vegetables to local communities, especially during periods of extreme heat when conventional cultivation becomes unreliable.
- Climate Resilience Awareness: Raise public awareness of climate change and promote practical, small-scale agricultural solutions that can thrive under increasingly adverse climatic conditions.
Actions taken
- Hydroponic System Installation: A modular hydroponic setup was installed, specifically chosen for its ability to maintain productivity despite high ambient temperatures and water scarcity.
- Water Recirculation Infrastructure: The system includes closed-loop nutrient delivery, enabling significant reductions in water consumption and ensuring high crop efficiency.
- Community Education and Involvement: Training sessions and on-site demonstrations were organized for local stakeholders and municipal personnel, emphasizing sustainable practices and the potential of climate-adaptive farming.
Main Achievement to date
Despite operating in intense summer heat, the hydroponic greenhouse successfully maintained production while using up to 90% less water than conventional farming methods. Although it lacks advanced climate control systems and renewable energy sources, the setup has proven highly effective in reducing the effects of heat and water stress. A temporary setback in July 2025, when some seedlings were damaged by extreme temperatures, provided a useful learning moment, helping to guide future design enhancements that will further strengthen the hydroponic system’s climate resilience.
Lessons, replicability and scalability potential
Key Lessons
- Climate change is already altering the conditions for agriculture in regions like Bodrum, calling for swift, locally tailored solutions.
- Even without sophisticated technology, simple and climate-adapted systems like hydroponics can deliver significant benefits in water conservation and food security.
- Community involvement and strong institutional support are essential for the long-term success and continued learning of climate-resilient urban farming initiatives.
Replicability
The Bodrum hydroponic model is particularly suited for municipalities facing water scarcity and extreme seasonal heat. Its compact, low-resource design enables rapid deployment without the need for major energy infrastructure, making it both practical and accessible.
Scalability Potential
The system can be easily extended to other municipal sites, schools, and community gardens. It provides a flexible and scalable framework for strengthening food resilience and raising environmental awareness, particularly in regions that are vulnerable or underserved.
