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logantauranga OP t1_jdyxu5q wrote

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is pretty unique - it's a technologically-advanced secure backup facility in Norway that stores duplicate copies of important plant seeds from around the world to ensure food security in case of any disasters.

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AbstracTyler t1_je14rei wrote

Does it go a step further and backup seeds for general biodiversity of wild spaces? Not just those plants which are directly food related?

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Surcouf t1_je1xhqe wrote

Most of the seed deposited are crop variants sent by various countrie's genebanks. They're copies of all their local crops seeds basically.

However, some genebanks not entirely dedicated to crop species have been sending backup seeds there. There's a huge collection of north american trees and another collection of british wildflowers for example.

The Vault's mission statement is to preserve any seeds the signatories of the international treaty sends. While most of the world's genebanks are primarly concerned with agriculture or species of use for humans, there is a growing interest in preserving other wild species for research and ecosystem preservation.

The Vault's only half full right now, and the capacity can be upgraded if need be.

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cannotfoolowls t1_je1j70j wrote

Doesn't every country have a seed vault?

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Surcouf t1_je1xrme wrote

Almost all countries have seedbanks. The svalbard vault is like the international backup of all the worlds bank.

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