Svalbard Global Seed Vault

The Nordic Genetic Resource Center is responsible for the operation and management of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.

Svalbard Global Seed Vault is the ultimate security net for the world's crop diversity. The Seed Vault aims at safeguarding the world’s most important plant genetic resources for food and agriculture with a maximum level of security. The Seed Vault offers free-of-charge back-up for the seed collections held in seedbanks around the world.

Svalbard represent a remote and secure yet accessible location. The safety of the seed samples is ensured by the thick sandstone rock surrounding them and their long-term survival is ensured by the permafrost conditions that maintain the airtight seed samples well below freezing even in the unlikely event that the mechanical cooling (-18°C ) should fail.

NordGen’s operative responsibility for the Seed Vault is done according to an agreement with our partners in the funding, management and operation; the Norwegian Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Global Crop Diversity Trust.

Official webpage

For general information visit the official webpage of the Seed Vault .

The Seed Portal

Are you interested in depositing seeds in the Seed Vault or are you interested in information about the seed samples currently stored in the Seed Vault? Visit the Seed Portal .

The Partners behind the Seed Vault:

The Norwegian Government  - The owner and liable authority

The Global Crop Diversity Trust  - Funds the management and operation and funds shipment of seeds for eligible collections.

The Nordic Genetic Resource Center  is responsible for the operation and management. Visit the Seed Portal

Lisätietoa

Geographic situation of the Vault (map link with coordinates) click here .

Yhteystiedot

Ola Westengen, e-mail:sgsv@nordgen.org

Roland von Bothmer, e-mail:roland.von.bothmer@slu.se