Longyearbyen, Norway – February 25, 2025 – The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) has marked a historic milestone by surpassing 1.1 million seeds stored in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, reinforcing global efforts to protect biodiversity and promote climate resilience.
This latest deposit, led by CIFOR-ICRAF CEO Éliane Ubalijoro, includes 120,000 seeds from 19 native African tree species, among them the baobab, often referred to as the “Tree of Life.” These species are crucial for environmental conservation, sustainable agroforestry, and the adaptation of ecosystems to climate change.
A Critical Step for Global Biodiversity
With 38% of the world’s trees at risk of extinction, initiatives like CIFOR-ICRAF’s ongoing seed preservation efforts are essential to safeguarding native species for future generations. The organization has been depositing seeds at the vault since 2008, playing a significant role in global reforestation and food security strategies.
“The preservation of native tree species is vital for maintaining biodiversity and enhancing climate resilience,” said Ubalijoro. “By safeguarding these seeds, we are investing in the future of our planet’s ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.”
Preserving Nature for Future Generations
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located in the Arctic Circle, serves as the world’s largest secure seed storage facility, protecting plant diversity against threats such as habitat destruction, climate change, and natural disasters. Owned by Norway’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the vault operates with support from the Crop Trust and is managed by the Nordic Genetic Resources Center (NordGen).
More details: CIFOR-ICRAF Svalbard Seed Vault
