Everything Everywhere Daily: History, Science, Geography & More The Svalbard Global Seed Vault
Mar 21, 2021
Discover the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a hidden sanctuary for seeds nestled in the Arctic, designed to preserve the world's agricultural diversity. This facility serves as humanity's safeguard against potential food crises. The discussion highlights the crucial role of seed banks and the challenges they face in conserving plant genetic diversity. The episode emphasizes the importance of protecting our food sources for future generations, ensuring we have options even in times of global uncertainty.
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Value Of Conserving Old Varietals
- Agricultural varietals hold genetic traits that may be needed in the future despite seeming obsolete today.
- Preserving old strains safeguards resistances and attributes for future breeding needs.
Global Network Of Seed Banks
- Over 1,300 seed banks exist globally, run by governments, universities, and corporations to preserve local varietals.
- The Millennium Seed Bank stores billions of seeds at -20°C as a large-scale conservation example.
Leningrad Scientists Sacrificed Food To Save Seeds
- The seed bank in Leningrad was guarded during the siege and scientists starved rather than sacrifice the collection.
- Several staff died of starvation while surrounded by bags of rice and wheat to protect future recovery.