The “Warehouse of Revelation” in Svalbard, one of the most important world reserves of seeds, receives a new batch of 14,000 samples on Tuesday, meant to protect agricultural biodiversity in the face of natural disasters and conflicts.
The “Warehouse of the Revelation” in Svalbard. Photo: Facebook / Hurtigruten Svalbard
Located on the island of Spitsbergen, in the Norwegian Archipelago Svalbard, this warehouse works as a last safety solution for gene banks around the world, informs Reuters, quoted by Agerpres. Established in 2008, he houses millions of seeds, kept in caves dug in Permafrost at a constant temperature of -18 ° C, to protect them from war, diseases and climatic changes.
Over the years, the “apocalypse warehouse” has played an essential role in the restoration of the genetic resources lost as a result of conflicts, such as the Syria war between 2015 and 2019. Now, it receives seeds from 15 different species in Sudan, including varieties of Sorg, a drought -resistant culture, essential for the country’s food security.
“The seeds stored this week represent more than biodiversity, they also represent the knowledge, culture and resilience of the communities that administer them“, Stated Stefan Schmitz, the executive director of Crop Trust.
In the context of the war erupted in Sudan in April 2023, which led to the death of tens of thousands of people and the relocation of millions, these seeds become a symbol of hope. “In Sudan, these seeds represent hope,” stressed the director of the Center for the Research and Conservation of Genetic Resources in this country.
Along with the Sudanese seeds, the new transport includes samples of northern trees in Sweden and rice in Thailand. The warehouse is accessible only three times a year to limit the exposure of seeds to external factors and to ensure long -term preservation.
