– Svalbard Global Seed Vault – Located in Norway, this “Doomsday Vault” stores a wide variety of plant seeds from around the world. –
– Purpose – The vault’s mission is to protect biodiversity and safeguard seeds against natural or man-made disasters. –
– Built to Withstand Catastrophes – The facility is designed to endure climate change, earthquakes, and even nuclear war. –
– Temperature-Controlled – Seeds are stored at -18°C (-0.4°F), helping to preserve them for hundreds, even thousands, of years. –
– Remote Location – Svalbard was chosen for its Arctic climate and lack of tectonic activity, making it safer from natural threats. –
– Global Collaboration – Countries worldwide contribute seeds to ensure the diversity of essential crops is protected. –
– Backup for Seed Banks – It acts as a backup for seed banks that may be vulnerable to disasters in their own regions. –
– Holds Over 1 Million Seed Varieties – The vault houses seeds from more than 5,000 different plant species, essential for global agriculture. –
– Future-Proofing Agriculture – The vault helps preserve genetic diversity, crucial for developing climate-resilient crops. –
Symbol of Hope – Often seen as a beacon for food security, it represents a commitment to future generations amidst global challenges.