Seeds from UAE Sent to Arctic Vault
Seeds from the United Arab Emirates Reach World's Safest Vault in Arctic
Amid the challenges of climate change and global food security, a significant step has been taken: plants grown in the United Arab Emirates have reached near the Arctic, where they now rest deep within the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. This is the world's most protected agricultural gene bank, preserving more than 1.3 million seed samples from 6,200 plant species, forming the last line of defense for genetic diversity in food production.
The Journey of Desert Seeds into the Ice
The seeds were collected and examined by the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in Dubai, marking the first time that the Gulf region has contributed to the global seed collection. Many of these seeds are characterized by exceptional adaptability to drought, high temperatures, and saline soil—traits that are indispensable in the era of climate change.
The collection includes 315 seed samples from 110 plant species, including the national symbol of the United Arab Emirates, the Ghaf tree, which is incredibly drought-resistant. These seeds safeguard the agricultural heritage of the region and could be crucial for future generations in breeding new plants that are more resilient to climate change.
Why is the Svalbard Global Seed Vault Important?
Nicknamed the "Doomsday Bunker," the seed vault located in the Svalbard archipelago belonging to Norway aims to protect the Earth's genetic plant material from wars, natural disasters, and climate change. Situated 1300 km from the North Pole, the permafrost ensures that the seeds can remain intact even for centuries.
The facility has a unique security system and preserves backup copies of the world's major gene banks. The head of ICBA emphasized:
"From the heart of the United Arab Emirates, these seeds have traveled to the eternal frost of the Arctic to ensure genetic resources for climate-resilient plants for future generations."
Seeds as the Key to the Future in the Fight Against Climate Change
The ICBA gene bank houses over 17,000 plant genetic materials and is one of the world's largest collections of salt-, drought-, and heat-tolerant plants. These traits are becoming increasingly important as usable agricultural lands diminish and water shortages present growing challenges.
The seeds that have made their way to the Svalbard vault are not just memories of the past but foundations for the future. They offer researchers, farmers, and policymakers the opportunity to develop new plant varieties that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Hope Preserved in Eternal Frost
The entrance to the vault features an installation of mirrors that illuminates the Arctic night, symbolizing hope. From the sands of the Arabian desert to the northern ice realms, these seeds are not only examples of survival but also bear the promise of a sustainable and food-secure future.
This step clearly shows that global cooperation and science are key in the fight against climate change. The seeds, now resting in the depths of eternal ice, may one day become life-saving resources for all parts of the Earth.
