Learn about the World Seed Bank ( Plant Gene Bank ) ( 2024 )

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is a secure backup facility for the world’s crop diversity on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen in the remote Arctic Svalbard archipelago . It provides long-term storage of duplicates of seeds conserved in gene banks around the world, ensuring the security of the world’s food supply against the loss of seeds in gene banks due to mismanagement, accident, equipment failures, funding cuts, war, sabotage, disease, and natural disasters . The Seed Vault is managed under terms spelled out in a tripartite agreement among the Norwegian government, the Crop Trust, and the Nordic Genetic Resource Center (Nord Gen). The Norwegian government entirely funded the Seed Vault’s construction cost of approximately 45 million kr (US$8.8 million in 2008). Norway and the Crop Trust pay for operational costs, and storing seeds in the vault is free to depositors .

What is the importance of seed saving globally?

Seed saving is crucial for preserving the world’s crop diversity and ensuring food security . The world’s food supply is threatened by the loss of seeds in gene banks due to mismanagement, accident, equipment failures, funding cuts, war, sabotage, disease, and natural disasters . The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen, provides long-term storage of duplicates of seeds conserved in gene banks around the world, ensuring the security of the world’s food supply . The Seed Vault has the capacity to store 4.5 million seed samples . Each sample contains an average count of 500 seeds, so a maximum of 2.25 billion seeds can be stored in the facility . Currently, the Seed Vault holds more than 1.1 million seed varieties, originating from almost every country in the world .

The seed industry plays a vital role in feeding the world and eradicating hunger . The private sector, including seed companies, must engage at the very start of the value chain to produce sufficient food and eradicate hunger in most developing countries . The World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) assesses global and regional seed companies on their efforts to reach smallholder farmers with quality seeds of improved varieties . The WBA aims to provide an evidence base for the discussion on where and how the seed industry can step up its efforts . The seed industry shows recognition and a responsive approach towards access to seeds for smallholders, but company performance still can improve further .

In addition to preserving crop diversity, seed saving also helps tackle the impacts of climate change on our food systems . As our planet becomes more unpredictable, we need seeds and crops that can stand up to that . Seed saving preserves Indigenous food crops and allows communities in the regions that produce them to preserve their traditions .

Study the importance of plant gene banks

Here is a summary of the importance of plant gene banks :

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• Preserving crop genetic resources: Plant gene banks collect, maintain and distribute crop diversity in ex situ system, which helps to safeguard the natural forms of genetic variation that are essential for plant breeding and food security.
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• Enhancing adaptation and resilience: Plant gene banks provide access to a wide range of genetic diversity that can be used to improve crop performance, resistance to pests and diseases, and tolerance to environmental stresses.

• Supporting biodiversity and cultural heritage: Plant gene banks conserve the native agricultural heritage of farmers and communities across the world, as well as the wild relatives of crop species that are vital for maintaining ecosystem services and functions.

• Facilitating gene discovery and innovation: Plant gene banks leverage new technologies such as genomics, sequencing and data analysis to characterize and deliver genetic diversity, enabling researchers and breeders to search for and utilize novel alleles and traits of agronomic importance.

How many seeds are stored in the Seed Vault?

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is a secure backup facility for the world’s crop diversity on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen in the remote Arctic Svalbard archipelago

. It provides long-term storage of duplicates of seeds conserved in gene banks around the world, ensuring the security of the world’s food supply against the loss of seeds in gene banks due to mismanagement, accident, equipment failures, funding cuts, war, sabotage, disease, and natural disasters . The Seed Vault is managed under terms spelled out in a tripartite agreement among the Norwegian government, the Crop Trust, and the Nordic Genetic Resource Center (Nord Gen) . The Norwegian government entirely funded the Seed Vault’s construction cost of approximately 45 million kr (US$8.8 million in 2008) . Norway and the Crop Trust pay for operational costs, and storing seeds in the vault is free to depositors .

The Seed Vault has the capacity to store 4.5 million seed samples. Each sample contains an average count of 500 seeds, so a maximum of 2.25 billion seeds can be stored in the facility . Currently, the Seed Vault holds more than 1.1 million seed varieties, originating from almost every country in the world .

How long can seeds be stored in the Seed Vault?

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault offers safe, free-of-charge, long-term storage of duplicates of seed samples stored in the world’s gene banks . The seeds are stored at a temperature of -18°C . Well-dried and vacuum-packed seeds of the most long-lived species stored at -18°C can stay viable for centuries . Therefore, it is safe to say that seeds can be stored in the Seed Vault for a very long time.

Who can deposit seeds in the Seed Vault?

All gene banks holding sustainable seed collections are invited to deposit duplicates of their seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault free of charge . The Norwegian government invites gene banks holding long-term and sustainable seed collections to deposit duplicates of their seed samples in the Seed Vault . Being a Seed Vault depositor requires that the gene bank sign a depositor agreement and comply with the provisions .

Can anyone withdraw their seeds from the Seed Vault?

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is a secure backup facility for the world’s crop diversity on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen in the remote Arctic Svalbard archipelago . The Seed Vault is managed under terms spelled out in a tripartite agreement among the Norwegian government, the Crop Trust, and the Nordic Genetic Resource Center (Nord Gen) . The Seed Vault is not a seed bank, and it does not own the seeds stored in it . The depositors retain ownership of the seeds and can withdraw them at any time . However, the Seed Vault is not open to the public, and only authorized personnel can access it .

Can anyone visit the World Seed Bank in Norway?

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is located on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen in the remote Arctic Svalbard archipelago . Unfortunately, the Seed Vault is not open to regular tourists . However, it is possible to visit the main entrance of the Seed Vault . The vault is just 2.5 km (1.5 miles) away from Svalbard Airport and easy to reach by snow scooter or car . There are also tour groups that take you all the way up to the entrance . Entrance to the Seed Vault is not permitted, but you can still get a glimpse of the Seed Vault’s entrance .

Safeguarding Seeds for the Future 

Seed conservation is crucial to maintaining the world's crop diversity and ensuring food security

. The world's food supply faces the threat of seed loss in gene banks due to mismanagement, accidents, equipment failures, funding cuts, wars, sabotage, disease and natural disasters. The Global Seed Bank in Norway provides long-term storage of duplicates of seeds held in gene banks around the world, ensuring the security of the world's food supply against loss of seeds in gene banks due to mismanagement, accidents, equipment failures, funding cuts, wars, sabotage, disease and natural disasters. The seed bank is managed under terms specified in a tripartite agreement between the Norwegian government, the Crop Fund and the Nordic Gene Center (Nord Gen). The cost of building the seed bank was fully funded by the Government of Norway at approximately 45 million kroner (US$8.8 million in 2008). Norway and the Crop Fund pay operating costs, and seed storage at the bank is free for depositors.

What is the role of artificial intelligence in preserving seed genes?

AI can help preserve seed genes by analyzing data and information related to seeds that are difficult to analyze manually. AI can be used to identify seeds suitable for planting that are resistant to diseases and extreme weather conditions. AI can also be used to determine optimal seed growing conditions that lead to better growth and higher productivity. AI can also be used to identify seeds that need to be preserved and that must be stored in special repositories to maintain their quality and safety.

Now watch directly what was discussed in the following video

Go inside the vault holding our doomsday food supply