Emirati seeds arrive at "Doomsday Vault"

In a journey across continents and time, Emirati seeds, collected and extensively studied at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), have reached the Arctic, where they are now securely preserved in the world's most protected agricultural time capsule—the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.

This deposit, the first of its kind from the Gulf region, marks a step in safeguarding the future of agriculture and ensuring the long-term preservation of climate-resilient crops for generations to come.

For the first time, seeds from the UAE's agricultural research have been enshrined in the permafrost of Norway's Svalbard archipelago. This deposit includes 315 accessions belonging to 110 plant species, including Ghaf tree, the national tree of UAE, selected for their exceptional tolerance to drought, heat, and salinity—traits essential for agriculture in extreme environments. These seeds of 24 genera and 61 species, the result of ICBA's extensive research and conservation efforts, now stand alongside the world's most vital plant genetic resources.

Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, emphasized the significance of this deposit, stating: "From the heart of the UAE to the Arctic permafrost, ICBA's seeds from UAE have embarked on a journey through time, ensuring future generations can access the genetic resources needed to sustain food production in a changing world. These seeds represent decades of research in plant breeding, biotechnology, and environmental adaptation. Many of these accessions have been carefully selected for their ability to thrive in extreme conditions, making them invaluable for global food security. By preserving them in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, we are securing a vital agricultural legacy that will support innovation and resilience for years to come."

Nicknamed the "Doomsday Vault", the Svalbard Global Seed Vault is the ultimate safeguard for agricultural biodiversity. Located 1,300 kilometers from the North Pole, this facility is designed to protect seeds from conflict, natural disasters, climate change, and unforeseen global crises. With over 1.3 million seed samples from 6,200 plant species, it serves as the world's last-resort backup for crop diversity.