Safeguarding crop diversity for food security and future generations

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is the world's largest secure repository for the long-term conservation of crop diversity. Building on the legal framework established by the International Treaty, the Government of Norway opened the Seed Vault in 2008 as a global safety backup for seeds conserved in genebanks around the world.

Located in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, approximately 1 000 kilometres from the North Pole, the Seed Vault combines the natural protection of permafrost with advanced storage technology. Seeds are conserved at a constant temperature of minus 18°C, ensuring their long-term viability and availability for future generations.

As of 2026, the Seed Vault conserves more than 1.4 million seed samples representing more than 6 500 crop species and varieties from around the world. These collections provide the genetic diversity needed by farmers, researchers and plant breeders to develop resilient crops capable of adapting to climate change, emerging pests and diseases, and other challenges facing agrifood systems.

Often described as the world's ultimate safety backup for crop diversity, the Seed Vault protects duplicate seed samples against risks such as natural disasters, conflict, equipment failures and other emergencies. The Seed Vault does not replace genebanks; rather, it provides an additional layer of security for the collections they maintain.

The Seed Vault operates under a unique "black box" arrangement whereby depositors retain ownership and full control over their material. Only the depositing institution can access or withdraw its seeds. Information on depositing material and the applicable legal conditions is available on the Seed Vault website.

The International Treaty and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault

In 2007, the Governing Body of the International Treaty endorsed the Svalbard Global Seed Vault and each biennium receives a report from Norway on its management and operations (2025 Report). The Seed Vault only receives seeds that are shared under the Multilateral System or under Article 15 of the International Treaty, or seeds that have originated in the country of the depositor. The Chairperson of the Governing Body serves as the Chairperson of the International Advisory Panel of the Global Seed Vault.

The Seed Vault's success relies on a global network of national, regional and international genebanks. Many Contracting Parties have deposited safety duplicates of important crop collections, including materials conserved through projects supported by the International Treaty's Benefit-sharing Fund and Emergency Reserve for Germplasm Collections at R isk.

A global partnership

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is operated by NordGen in partnership with the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Crop Trust. More than 130 institutions from across the world have deposited seed collections in the Vault, including the CGIAR Centres, which account for a significant share of the material conserved.

International recognition

In 2026, the Seed Vault has received international recognition for its contribution to safeguarding crop diversity and strengthening global food security, including the Princess of Asturias Award for International Cooperation and a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. These recognitions underscore the importance of safeguarding the plant genetic resources that support agriculture worldwide and demonstrate how international collaboration can strengthen food security, build resilience and contribute to more peaceful societies.

 ‘Journey of seeds’ video series

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