The Svalbard Global Seed Vault building
What should you do first on Svalbard? Of course, see the northern lights. And also see a polar bear (preferably not get too close, because if you have to kill it, the governor of Svalbard himself will investigate the case). And, of course, kayaking – this is a mandatory item in the program for tourists arriving here.
We also suggest you visit the Global Seed Vault. The latter deserves special attention, and it is advisable to start researching it before the trip, since the vault itself is a bunker in the rock that can only be viewed from the outside (only scientists are allowed inside with prior government permission).
The Global Seed Vault (or, as it is also called, the Doomsday Vault) was created on the initiative of Norway in case of a global catastrophe. Hence the unusual name of the vault. It is a kind of bank vault with cells where each country can store seed samples. In the event of a disaster on its territory, a country can demand that the vault be opened and the seeds it has conserved there be provided.
The vault is located deep underground (120 meters), at an altitude of 130 meters above sea level. A constant temperature (minus 18 degrees Celsius) is maintained here by refrigeration units. The vault can withstand any cataclysm, a global flood, and even a direct nuclear strike.
The bunker can store 4.5 million seed samples, mainly agricultural crops. That is, what will be most necessary for survival and easy to grow in case of a catastrophe. Each country deposits 500 seeds of one crop here, stored in foil containers. To prevent the material from spoiling, after a certain period the seeds are planted, then a new harvest is collected, and the seeds are again placed in containers. The vault is far from being completely filled, and countries are actively replenishing their seed stocks there.
By the way, Norway has a law according to which all public buildings must also be works of art. Artist Dyveke Sanne made the art element noticeable by placing it at the entrance of the Vault.
The facade and roof of the building are decorated with steel triangular elements of various sizes that reflect light. In addition, there are prisms and mirrors that are illuminated. In summer, the composition reflects the polar light, and in winter the vault glows greenish and white.
It is very interesting to look at the building both up close and from afar. The installation symbolizes the life that is in the bunker, as well as its diversity. It is worth coming here to see with your own eyes the northern lights reflected in thousands of mirrors.
• Fortunately, a global catastrophe is not expected in the near future, so gardeners should visit the specialized online store "Farmer-Center", which offers a wide selection of seeds from the world's best producers. By mail and wholesale, you can order Red Core carrot seeds, cucumbers, peppers, and many other vegetable crops.