Svalbard Global Seed Vault Preserves Global Crop Diversity Amid Climate Change and Conflict Challenges

Svalbard Global Seed Vault Preserves Global Crop Diversity Amid Climate Change and Conflict Challenges

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
The Sfalbarred Global Seed Vault, often called the Doomsday Vault,
made headlines this month with new shipments of critical seeds
from around the world as climate challenges and conflict threaten biodiversity.
Located above the Arctic Circle on the Swalbarred Archipelago in Norway,
the vault remains humanity's foremost backup for crop diversity, with

(00:23):
over one point two million seed samples deposited in its
frozen chambers. Recent deposits include valuable rice germplasm from Africa,
as well as Norway spruce and Scott's pine, which are
now safeguarded for future research and to monitor genetic diversity.
According to Good Morning America, Nordic countries have now begun

(00:45):
backing up essential tree species, joining global efforts to counter
climate related losses. The vault strategic isolation protects it from
regional and global disasters, yet extreme weather is making its
Arctic home less predictable. Grist reports Smallbard is warming six
to seven times faster than the global average, with record

(01:06):
thaws and even winter temperatures spiking above freezing. Scientists worn
more frequent thaws could one day threaten the permafrost layer,
meant to keep the seed safe if power ever fails.
Despite these challenges, the Vault's current design and location still
supply the best available insurance for world agriculture. Pressing threats

(01:28):
to food security have underscored de Vault's importance. Powder Bulk
Solids reveals that in October twenty twenty four, the Vault
accepted shipments from twenty one countries, including conflict ravaged regions
like Sudan and Ukraine, where local seed banks face destruction.
The Palestinian Union of Agricultural Work committees also sent samples

(01:49):
of regional crops in the first coordinated effort to preserve
their unique varieties. Yale University and other sources note Ukraine's
vast seed collections remain at risk, with only a small
proportion yet backed up in stall barred. The Vault now
acts as the crucial failsafe globally as war and disaster
put gene banks in jeopardy. The International Center for Agricultural

(02:11):
Research in the Dry Areas recently deposited centuries old land
races of Durham wheat and wild lentil, reinforces the Vault's
role in saving heritage crops that can help develop strains
resilient to climate shocks and new pests, according to the
Crop Trust. Meanwhile, George's ancient wheat varieties have made their
journey to Smallbard. The Food and Agriculture organization details how

(02:35):
local Georgian wheat serves as initial breeding material for developing
hardier crops to withstand climate change, a mission echoed by
plant researchers globally. Amid these efforts, the VAULT is preparing
for its next scheduled mass deposit in October twenty twenty five,
reports the Crop Trust. Seeds from Vietnam and elsewhere are

(02:55):
expected as plant breeders seek protection against growing climate instability
and new bioengineered threats. Environmental change continues to pose risks
to both natural and artificial seed collection sites, and rising
global temperatures may also affect facilities like small Bard long term.
Yet despite unprecedented challenges, international cooperation remains strong. The Vault's

(03:20):
ability to unite nations for the common goal of safeguarding
food and plant diversity is a testament to its enduring value,
even as it adapts to the evolving risks of a
warming world. Spalbard's icy sanctuary stands as a beacon of
hope for future generations, and the immense job of keeping
it safe continues. Thanks for tuning into this update about

(03:41):
the small barred Global Seed Vault. Come back next week
for more of the latest and global science, security, and
the environment.