Global Seed Vault
Svalbard and Jan Mayen (NO)
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is a secure seed bank located on the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, approximately 1300 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. Established and fully funded by the Norwegian government, it serves as a global backup facility storing duplicates of seed samples from national, regional, and international gene banks. The vault holds tens of thousands of seed varieties of essential food crops such as beans, wheat, and rice, ensuring the preservation of agricultural biodiversity against potential global crises. Situated in permafrost conditions, the vault provides natural freezing to maintain seed viability over long periods. The facility is managed by the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food in coordination with the Nordic Gene Resource Centre and the Global Crop Diversity Trust, with guidance from an international advisory council. Since its inception, the vault has received large deposits from multiple countries, including over 30,000 new seed samples from 21 countries in 2024. The Seed Vault symbolizes international cooperation to safeguard food security and biodiversity for future generations.
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Astuce: Visitors should note that the Svalbard Global Seed Vault is not a typical tourist attraction and is not open for public tours. The best time to visit the Svalbard archipelago, where the vault is located, is during the summer months when weather conditions are more favorable. Those interested in learning more can access official videos and online resources. Booking visits to the region well in advance is recommended due to limited transportation options and regulated tourism to protect the fragile Arctic environment. No direct access or public tours of the vault itself are available.
Faits intéressants
- •The vault is located 1300 kilometers beyond the Arctic Circle in permafrost, providing natural freezing conditions.
- •It stores duplicates of seeds from gene banks around the world, acting as a global backup.
- •Over 30,000 new seed samples from 21 countries were deposited in 2024, including from Palestine and Sudan.
- •The facility is fully funded and operated by the Norwegian government.
- •The seeds remain the property of the depositors, ensuring sovereignty over genetic resources.
Histoire
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault was established by the Norwegian government as a global backup to safeguard the world's crop diversity.
Its construction was completed in the late 2000s, with operations coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food alongside international partners.
The vault was designed to withstand natural and man-made disasters, leveraging Svalbard's permafrost for natural seed preservation.
Since opening, it has become a critical resource for global food security, receiving seed deposits from gene banks worldwide.
The vault’s role has expanded over time, reflecting growing concerns about biodiversity loss and climate change.
Contact
Téléphone: 22 24 91 40
