Global gene banks add over 11,000 seed samples to Norway’s Svalbard Vault

Fourteen gene banks from around the world are depositing over 11,200 seed samples at the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway, highlighting the importance of crop diversity for future food security. The Seed Vault, located in the Arctic and holding over 1.3 million samples, acts as a secure backup for global agriculture. This 67th deposit includes culturally significant crops like South Korea’s perilla, Dutch heritage vegetables, and Benin’s ancient fonio grain. The deposits help preserve traditional crops vital for nutrition, climate resilience, and cultural heritage. The Vault, established in 2008, can hold up to 4.5 million seed varieties and protects against threats like war and climate change.

Credit : CGTN