The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a secure storage facility on a remote Norwegian Arctic island, has received over 14,000 new seed samples this week, including rice varieties from Thailand. The vault, designed as a safeguard against global disasters, serves as a backup for gene banks worldwide.
Established in 2008 and located deep within a mountain, the facility is built to endure threats ranging from climate change to nuclear conflict. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in preserving agricultural biodiversity, notably aiding in the restoration of seed collections lost during Syria’s civil war between 2015 and 2019.
According to the Crop Trust, which manages the vault, the latest deposit includes seeds from 15 species originating from Sudan, featuring various sorghum varieties that are vital to both the country’s food security and cultural heritage. The ongoing war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, displaced millions, and worsened food shortages across the nation.
The total contribution of 14,022 samples was formally deposited on Tuesday. Among them were seeds of Nordic tree species from Sweden and Thai rice varieties, reflecting the vault’s continued mission to protect global agricultural diversity.
Officials from contributing institutions, including the Crop Trust’s executive director, Stefan Schmitz, highlighted the importance of the seeds, emphasizing their role in preserving biodiversity and cultural knowledge for future generations.
