Svalbard, Norway
21 October 2025
Two research institutions from Peru and Switzerland deposited seed samples at the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, marking a symbolic gesture of cooperation ahead of their co-hosting of the Eleventh Session of the Governing Body of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (GB-11) in Lima, Peru, this November.
"The Svalbard Global Seed Vault symbolizes the interdependence of countries and the international cooperation required to conserve forever the crop diversity that forms the basis of our food," said Kent Nnadozie, Secretary of the International Treaty.
The ceremony saw the deposit of more than 21 000 seed samples, contributed by 20 genebanks—including those from Peru and Switzerland—bringing the overall number of depositors to 131. These additions raise the total number of seed samples safeguarded in the Vault to over 1.3 million.
Conserving crop diversity for the future of food security
Peru deposited a unique and globally important collection of native pepper varieties (Capsicum spp.), a crop for which the country is recognized as a center of origin. Archaeological evidence indicates that it was domesticated in Peru over 12 000 years ago, highlighting the country's vital role in conserving this vital crop that has since become a culinary staple worldwide.
This marks the first deposit from Peru’s Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA) into the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.
‘’INIA’s work connects scientific research with the ancestral wisdom of peoples who, generation after generation, have safeguarded the seeds that continue to feed the world today,’’ said Jorge Ganoza Roncal, President of INIA. ‘’This vision aligns with the International Treaty, which promotes the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources, as well as responsible access and equitable benefit-sharing derived from the use of agrobiodiversity.’’
The Swiss institute Agroscope deposited a diverse and valuable collection of crop varieties, including buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), a species historically important for its high protein content and minerals. Once a dietary staple, buckwheat and its genetic resources have nearly disappeared from Switzerland due to many factors, including the rise of high-yield crop species, highlighting the urgency of its conservation. This deposit reflects Switzerland’s longstanding commitment to safeguarding plant genetic resources.
‘’The genetic diversity of food crops is a cornerstone of our global food security, for healthy and nutritious diets, and a living expression of cultural and agricultural food heritage,’’ said Marcel Schütz, Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Longyearbyen. ‘’Switzerland is honored to co-host with Peru the GB-11 […] the decisions taken there will be critical to ensure that we can continue to make important contributions to sustainable, innovative and climate resilient agriculture.‘’
In addition to Peru and Switzerland, seed samples from projects supported by the International Treaty’s Benefit-sharing Fund in Ethiopia, Malawi, Morocco and Tunisia were also deposited at the ceremony. The Benefit-sharing Fund is a key financing mechanism that ensures that conservation efforts reach countries regardless of economic capacity. The Fund supports gene banks and farming communities in preserving and exchanging plant genetic resources.
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a symbol of international cooperation
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, opened by the Government of Norway in 2008, is the world's largest backup facility for crop diversity. Located 1 300 kilometers from the North Pole, the Vault uses natural permafrost and advanced cooling systems to maintain a constant –18°C, ensuring long-term seed viability.
Seed deposits at Svalbard are accepted only if they are shared under the International Treaty's Multilateral System, comply with specific agreements (Article 15 of the Treaty), or originate from the depositor country.
The International Treaty's Multilateral System allows countries to freely access genetic resources from 64 of the world's most important food crops, which account for 80 percent of plant-based food consumption. This facilitated access enables researchers and breeders to develop new varieties adapted to changing climates and evolving pest pressures.
Looking ahead to GB-11 in Lima
GB-11 will convene International Treaty Contracting Parties and stakeholders in Lima from 24 to 29 November 2025, to address pressing challenges, including expanding access to crop genetic resources, funding and equitable benefit-sharing.
“This deposit is a powerful reminder of the crop diversity that researchers and farmers rely on to adapt to climate change and ensure food security for future generations,” added Secretary Nnadozie. “As climate threats intensify, the seed deposits by Peru, Switzerland and other depositors reflects the kind of stewardship and solidarity we aim to strengthen at GB-11 in Lima.”
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