O Global Seed Vault, a major global seed bank in Norway, continues to receive the largest deposit since 2019. The Apocalypse Vault is a reserve that holds over 60,000 seed samples from 36 different groups from almost all over the world. It was created in 2008 with the aim collect fauna specimens to preserve species (and food for humans) in the event of an environmental tragedy. The repository is basically a “backup” of seeds from around the world, and has already received samples from the Thai, US and Irish ministries of agriculture, as well as universities and research centers in Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Lebanon and other countries. .

Brazil is one of the countries supporting the Global Seed Vault and should also send its seeds to the repository to help restore nature in the event of natural disasters such as floods, conflicts or global power outages. Concerns about backing up plant species are linked to climate change. The international non-profit organization Crop Trust is responsible for managing the repository in partnership with the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Nordic Genetic Resource Centre.

“Undoubtedly, [a mudança climática] represents a huge challenge for global agriculture“, explained Hannes Dempewolf, head of global initiatives at Crop Trust. In addition to preserving a wide variety of species, seeds in a bank can also help breeders grow crops that are more resilient to pests, diseases and the effects of climate change. The crop of the future may need to be more resilient to drought, high temperatures and saltier soil (as a result of rising sea levels).

Now the Cherokee Nation (Native American tribe) is also making deposits. nine varieties of seeds existed before European colonization. The tribe has its own seed bank of ancient plants, species important to its history, culture and traditions. Cherokee White Eagle corn and other plants will be placed in the Global Seed Vault.

Since opening in 2008, the Apocalypse Vault has accumulated about 1 million seeds, representing more than 5,000 species. The seeds are stored underground on a mountain in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. The seed storage is artificially cooled down to -18 Сº. Watch the video below:

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Source: Edge