In a significant step towards preserving Africa’s agricultural diversity, over 100,000 seeds from the continent have been deposited in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway. This facility, often called the “Doomsday Vault,” is a critical safeguard for crop varieties that could be essential in the aftermath of global disasters.
The latest collection includes seeds from 177 species, such as the Faidherbia albida, a nitrogen-fixing tree, and Cordia africana (Sudan teak), known for its durability and strength. These species are important not only for food security but also for rebuilding efforts in challenging times.
The seeds were delivered to the vault by Dr. Éliane Ubalijoro, CEO of the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF). Reflecting on the importance of seed banks, Ubalijoro emphasized their role in providing “hope,” especially for regions recovering from conflict and disaster. She pointed to her own experience in Rwanda, where seed banks were crucial to recovery following the 1994 genocide.
The Svalbard Seed Vault continues to play a pivotal role in securing the future of global agriculture, ensuring that future generations will have access to resilient and diverse crops in the face of environmental or geopolitical crises.
Excerpts from The Guardian
Svalbard Global Seed Vault Picture by Einar Jørgen Haraldseid on Wikimedia CC-BY-SA-2.0
