In the remote reaches of the Arctic Circle, between Norway and the North Pole, lies a sanctuary of vital importance to humanity's future. It's not a treasure trove of fossil fuels or precious minerals, but something far more valuable: seeds. Millions of seeds representing more than 930,000 food crops are protected within the fortified walls of the Global Seed Vault on Spitsbergen, part of Norway's Svalbard archipelago.
of doomsday vault is an underground fortress and not a science fiction story. This is a pragmatic response to a very real threat facing global food security. Accessible only three times a year, the vault stands as a bulwark against the fears of climate crisis, pandemics and conflict that could endanger agricultural systems around the world.
On February 27, 23 countries contributed to the seed bank stockpile. The post, shared on @insider's official Instagram page, explains that despite its creepy nickname, the Global Seed Vault is more than just a place to prevent disaster. Although it provides a last line of defense in the face of existential threats, its primary mission is to mitigate the more localized risks that put gene banks around the world at risk. Whether from natural disasters or human stupidity, these threats highlight the critical need to keep agricultural diversity safe.
It also explains that venturing inside this modern-day ark reveals sights that are both awe-inspiring and practical. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the sound of electricity and the operation of the cooling system, the lifeblood of the facility, designed to maintain a constant temperature. A long, strip-lit concrete corridor stretches ahead, extending 430 feet into the heart of the mountain. At its end is the Vault, an impregnable fortress guarding the precious seeds.
Watch the video below.
The choice of location for Global Seed Vault was no accident. Perched over 400 feet above sea level, it is located in an abandoned coal mine and benefits from the region's natural climatic conditions. Here, in the frigid arctic air and minimal humidity, the seeds are protected from the ravages of time.
But Global Seed Vault's true strength lies not in its physical enhancements, but in its global reach.seeds from 77 countries Within its walls is a sanctuary, with over 1.2 million different breeds collectively represented. This diversity is not only evidence of the richness of our agricultural heritage, but also serves as an important resource for future generations.
The video on Instagram has been viewed more than 60,000 times and sparked curious conversations online.
“That's great, but if everything collapses and we need Seed, who will have access to the vault?” What's the plan here? ? ” a user asked. Another user said: “It's good to remember that it's important to save your seeds and consider where you can donate them. Seed banks exist in many places.”
A third user said: “I didn't even know this place existed. Suppose something happens and the few survivors get there. The place makes no sense.” 4 Another added: “It's good to be able to plant seeds on dry ground during a long drought surrounded by forest fires.'' Perhaps instead of preparing for when it's too late, we should be working on not ruining the planet any further than it already is. ”
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Date first uploaded: March 12, 2024, 11:11 IST
