Seed Banks: A Global Network For Future Generations

Seed banks are becoming increasingly important as biodiversity declines and climate change threatens the world's food systems. There are around 1,500 seed banks globally, including the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen in the remote Arctic Svalbard archipelago. This vault, also known as the 'Doomsday Vault', is the largest secure seed storage in the world, housing over 1 million seed samples from across the globe. Other notable seed banks include the Millennium Seed Bank in the UK, the Berry Botanic Garden in Portland, Oregon, and the International Potato Center in Lima, Peru.

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The Millennium Seed Bank

The MSBP aims to provide an "insurance policy" against the extinction of plants in the wild by storing seeds for future use. It is the second phase of a project with the original partnership goal of banking 10% of known flora by 2010, which was achieved in October 2009. The current goal is to collect seeds from 75,000 species of plants by 2020, representing 25% of known flora. As of June 2015, the MSBP had collected and stored seeds from 34,088 wild plant species, representing over 13% of the world's wild plant species.

The MSB team of scientists follows a specific process to ensure the longevity of the seeds. When seeds arrive, they are first unpacked in a contained room and entered into the Seed Bank Database. The seeds are then x-rayed to check for any visible insects or infestations. The seeds are then dried in an air-locked room at 15% humidity and 18 degrees Celsius until their moisture content is 6 to 7 per cent. Seeds that can tolerate this drying procedure are called orthodox, and this process slows their interior processes. Some seeds are also frozen at their freshwater weight, as freezing kills the cells.

The MSBP has over 100 partnerships worldwide, including in Australia, Mexico, Chile, Kenya, China, the United States, Jordan, Mali, Malawi, Madagascar, Burkina Faso, Botswana, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and South Africa. The seed bank at Kew has gone through many iterations, with the Kew Seed Bank facility, set up by Peter Thompson in 1980, preceding the MSBP. The MSBP also collaborates with other seed banking organizations around the world by sharing information or assisting in seed collection.

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The Global Seed Vault in Svalbard

The Seed Vault is owned by the Norwegian government and is fully funded and administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food on behalf of the Kingdom of Norway. The facility is managed in partnership with the Nordic Genetic Resource Centre (NordGen) and the Global Crop Diversity Trust (Crop Trust). The Norwegian government invited gene banks worldwide to deposit duplicates of their seed samples in the vault free of charge. The depositing genebanks own the seeds they send, and researchers must request samples from them rather than the Seed Vault.

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault opened in February 2008 and cost approximately 45 million kr (US$8.8 million) to construct. The vault's mission is to provide a backup against the accidental loss of diversity in traditional genebanks and to secure the foundation of the world's future food supply. The vault has received international recognition, including being ranked the sixth-best invention of 2008 by Time Magazine and receiving the Norwegian Lighting Prize in 2009.

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The Vavilov Institute of Plant Industry

During World War II, the institute faced a significant challenge during the 28-month siege of Leningrad. German forces targeted the institute, and its staff had to evacuate with a small number of seeds. However, 50 botanists stayed behind, risking their lives to protect the collection from fire bombs, extreme cold, and rodents. These botanists chose to starve rather than consume the seeds, and at least 19 of them died of starvation.

The institute's collection survived World War II, and it continued its mission to protect the world's food supply. The institute's seed bank has been instrumental in preserving global crop diversity and raising awareness about the importance of genetic conservation. The institute's current collection includes seeds from various plants, nuts, and roots, showcasing its commitment to safeguarding the world's agricultural heritage.

Today, the Vavilov Institute remains operational, housing an extensive collection of seeds, some of which are shared with other research institutes worldwide. Visitors can tour the facility, gaining insight into its history and ongoing contributions to plant genetics and seed preservation. The institute stands as a testament to the dedication and sacrifices of those who recognised the critical role of crop diversity in ensuring a healthy food future for humanity.

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International Center for Tropical Agriculture

There are over a thousand seed banks located worldwide. One notable seed bank is the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) in Cali, Colombia. CIAT safeguards the world's largest collections of banana, cassava, beans, and tropical forages.

The International Center for Tropical Agriculture is part of Alliance Bioversity International, a nonprofit organization that works to deliver scientific solutions for agricultural development through improved management of agricultural biodiversity. The Alliance was formed in 2019 through the merger of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and Bioversity International, another nonprofit research-for-development organization focused on agricultural biodiversity.

CIAT's gene banks play a crucial role in preserving plant genetic resources. They currently store samples of entire native plant populations, including hundreds of endangered species. These gene banks are essential for the security of the world's food supply, protecting against potential losses due to mismanagement, accidents, funding cuts, wars, natural disasters, and other threats.

The samples stored in CIAT's gene banks are typically accessible to researchers, plant breeders, and other authorized groups under the terms of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. This treaty establishes a multilateral system that facilitates access to plant genetic resources and ensures that any benefits derived from their use are shared.

In addition to its gene banks, the International Center for Tropical Agriculture also engages in various research and development initiatives. The organization works closely with farmers, scientists, and other partners to develop and promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve crop productivity, and address global challenges such as climate change and food security.

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International Potato Center

There are over 1,000 seed banks located worldwide. One notable seed bank is the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway, also known as the "Doomsday Vault", which aims to provide long-term storage for duplicates of seeds from around the world.

Another notable seed bank is the International Potato Center (CIP) in Lima, Peru. CIP is a research facility with a focus on potatoes, sweet potatoes, and other root and tuber crops. It was founded in 1971 as a research-for-development organization and has since contributed to greater food and nutrition security, economic growth, and prosperity. CIP breeders and plant scientists work with local partners and farmers to develop and manage potato and sweet potato varieties that are more resilient to climate extremes, pests, and diseases, and have improved nutritional and culinary qualities.

CIP is one of 15 specialized research centers of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), a global research partnership for a food-secure future. As a CGIAR research center, CIP aims to reduce poverty, enhance food and nutrition security, and improve natural resources and ecosystem services. It has a research presence in over 20 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and its scientists collaborate with partners worldwide to develop more nutritious, productive, and climate-resilient crop varieties.

CIP also leads the CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers, and Bananas (RTB), which seeks to improve the food security, nutrition, income, climate change resilience, and gender equity of smallholders in the developing world. The program harnesses the potential of various crops, including potatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas, cassava, and yams. CIP's four Science Goals—Biodiversity, Crop Improvement, Regenerative Agriculture, and Urban Food Systems—provide a blueprint for transforming global agriculture to meet the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and ensuring food security for all.

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