Beyond apocalypse: Seeds of hope sprout in this frozen Norwegian vault

Called the Doomsday Vault, it is only accessible three times a year and stands as a bulwark against climate crises, pandemics, and conflicts.

By: Trends Desk

New Delhi | Updated: March 12, 2024 11:18 AM IST

4 min read

On February 27, 23 countries contributed to the seed bank stockpile.

In the remote reaches of the Arctic Circle, nestled between Norway and the North Pole, lies a sanctuary crucial to the future of humanity. It’s not a trove of fossil fuels or precious minerals, but something far more precious – seeds. Millions of them, representing over 930,000 varieties of food crops, are safeguarded within the fortified walls of the Global Seed Vault on Spitsbergen, part of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago.

The Doomsday Vault is a subterranean stronghold and isn’t the stuff of science fiction. It’s a pragmatic response to the very real threats facing global food security. The vault, only accessible three times a year, stands as a bulwark against the spectre of climate crises, pandemics, and conflicts that could imperil agricultural systems worldwide.

On February 27, 23 countries contributed to the seed bank stockpile. Shared on the official Instagram page of @insider, the post explains contrary to its ominous moniker, the Global Seed Vault isn’t solely a reserve for cataclysmic events. While it does offer a last line of defence in the face of existential threats, its primary mission is to mitigate the more localised risks that imperil gene banks across the globe. These threats, whether from natural disasters or human folly, underscore the critical need for a secure repository of agricultural diversity.

It also explains venturing inside this modern-day ark reveals a scene both awe-inspiring and utilitarian. Upon entry, visitors are greeted by the hum of electricity and the thrum of cooling systems – the lifeblood of a facility designed to maintain a consistent temperature. A long concrete corridor, bathed in strip lighting, stretches ahead, leading 430 feet into the heart of the mountain. At its terminus lies the vault chamber, an impenetrable fortress safeguarding the precious seeds within.

Watch the video below:

The choice of location for the Global Seed Vault is no accident. Perched over 400 feet above sea level and nestled within an abandoned coal mine, it benefits from the region’s natural climatic conditions. Here, amidst the frigid Arctic air and minimal moisture, the seeds remain insulated from the ravages of time.

But the true strength of the Global Seed Vault lies not in its physical fortifications, but in its global reach. Seeds from 77 countries find sanctuary within its walls, collectively representing over 1.2 million distinct varieties. This diversity is not merely a testament to the richness of our agricultural heritage but serves as a vital resource for future generations.

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The video on Instagram has over 60,000 views and has sparked curious conversations online.

“That’s great but who gets access to the vault if all hell breaks loose and we need the seed? What’s the plan here??” a user asked. Another added, “Good thing to remember that saving seeds and looking at where you can donate them is important! Seed banks exist in many places.”

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The video on Instagram has sparked curious conversations among netizens.

A third user wrote, “I didn’t even know this place existed. Say something does happened, and the few that survive, how will they even get there. The location doesn’t make sense.” A fourth added, “Great we can plant the seeds in the dry ground durning the long drought surrounded by forest fires. Maybe we should work on not ruining the planet anymore than it is, instead of preparing for when it’s too late.”

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