What to Know About the Svalbard Seed Vault, Humanity’s Backup Plan

Tucked away in the Arctic’s icy expanse, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault is a beacon of hope for humanity’s future.

I had the fortune to visit the Vault during my trip to Svalbard and I definitely recommend including it in the things to do in Svalbard list. In this post I will tell you all about it.

What is the Svalbard Seed Vault?

Often referred to as the “Doomsday Vault,” this remarkable facility holds the keys to safeguarding the world’s agricultural diversity against threats like climate change, natural disasters, and global crises.

Built into the permafrost of the remote Norwegian island of Svalbard, the vault is more than just a storage facility—it’s a symbol of international cooperation and humanity’s determination to preserve life’s essentials for future generations.

In this post, we’ll delve into the fascinating story of the Svalbard Seed Vault, exploring its purpose, design, and the critical role it plays in securing global food security.

Svalbard Seed Vault Key Features and Purpose

Built into the permafrost of a sandstone mountain, the vault is naturally climate-controlled, providing optimal conditions for seed preservation.

The remote and politically stable location minimizes the risk of damage from human conflict or extreme environmental conditions.

Svalbard Seed Vault Capacity

The facility can store up to 4.5 million seed samples, with each sample containing approximately 500 seeds. This allows for the preservation of an enormous variety of plant species.

As of 2023, it houses more than 1.2 million seed samples from nearly every country in the world.

Svalbard Seed Vault Design

The vault is designed to withstand both natural and human-made disasters. For example, it can survive earthquakes, explosions, and even rising sea levels.

It maintains temperatures of -18°C (0°F) inside, which helps ensure the longevity of the seeds.

Svalbard Seed Vault Operation

he Svalbard Global Seed Vault operates as a vital global backup for preserving agricultural biodiversity, complementing regional and national seed banks. Managed by the Norwegian government, NordGen, and the Crop Trust, it ensures long-term security for seeds from around the world while allowing depositors to retain ownership.

Located in the Arctic, the vault is a neutral ground fostering international cooperation, with nearly every country contributing to its mission.

The facility has proven its importance, such as during the Syrian civil war when seeds were withdrawn to replenish a damaged regional bank. Its role is crucial in addressing challenges like climate change and food security, as well as preserving genetic diversity essential for future crop resilience.

The vault is more than a storage site; it’s a symbol of global unity and humanity’s commitment to safeguarding the resources that sustain life.

Historical Context

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault was officially inaugurated in February 2008, marking a significant milestone in global efforts to combat the growing threat of biodiversity loss. Its creation was driven by increasing awareness of the vulnerabilities in the global food system, from the impacts of climate change and natural disasters to the risks posed by political instability and conflict.

These threats underscored the urgent need for a secure, long-term contingency plan to preserve the genetic diversity of the world’s crops.

From its inception, the vault attracted attention as a groundbreaking initiative in global conservation. It was designed to store seeds and serve as a symbol of hope and cooperation, reflecting humanity’s shared responsibility for safeguarding the foundations of agriculture.

Over the years, countries from around the world have contributed to its growing collection. These contributions include seeds for staple crops like rice, wheat, and maize—plants essential to feeding the global population.

Alongside these, the vault has received deposits of wild relatives of crops, heirloom varieties, and regionally significant plants, highlighting its role in preserving the rich diversity of agricultural resources.

The inaugural deposits set the tone for the vault’s mission. They included seeds from major agricultural research institutions and national seed banks, with each deposit representing a piece of the global puzzle of food security.

The inclusion of heirloom varieties and wild plants is particularly noteworthy, as these less-commercialized species often carry traits that could be crucial for developing crops that can withstand future challenges, such as new pests or extreme weather conditions.

Notable Events

Syrian Withdrawal

In 2015, the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) withdrew seeds to replenish its regional seed bank in Lebanon and Morocco after its facility in Aleppo, Syria, was affected by the civil war. This marked the first withdrawal from the vault and demonstrated its vital role in global food security.

2016 Water Intrusion

Melted permafrost caused by unusually high temperatures led to water intrusion into the entrance tunnel. Though the seeds were not damaged, this event prompted upgrades to ensure the facility remains resilient to climate change.

Regular Updates

The facility receives new seed deposits regularly, symbolizing an ongoing global commitment to crop conservation.

Why is the Seed Vault so important

Preserving Biodiversity

Protecting the genetic diversity of crops ensures that future generations have access to the raw materials necessary to adapt to changing conditions, such as pests, diseases, and shifting climates.

Global Food Security

By safeguarding seeds, the vault helps mitigate the risks posed by global crises, ensuring the continued availability of essential crops.

Symbol of Global Unity

The vault is a testament to international cooperation, transcending political and economic differences to work toward a common goal: safeguarding the planet’s agricultural heritage.

Seed Vault Fun Facts

• The entrance is adorned with a light installation by Norwegian artist Dyveke Sanne, symbolizing the hope and importance of the seeds housed inside.
• Often called the “Noah’s Ark for Seeds,” the vault represents one of humanity’s greatest efforts to prepare for an uncertain future.

Can I visit the Seed Vault?

For obvious reasons, you cannot get inside the Seed Vault, but you can see it from the outside. It’s located just outside Longyearbyen, not too far from the airport. Although it could be a lovely walk from town, it’s impossible to do it for safety reasons because polar bears may be roaming around. However, you can join organized tours or get a taxi.

I went on an organized tour by Magnus, a lovely guy born and raised in Svalbard and very passionate about his home. He shows you around with such enthusiasm that it’s contagious.