What is the Arctic World Archive and why did Nigeria deposit records there?

The Arctic World Archive is a data storage facility designed to preserve records for up to 2,000 years, and Nigeria became the first African country to deposit its cultural and historical archives there to ensure their long-term preservation.

What kind of records did Nigeria deposit in the Arctic World Archive?

Nigeria's deposits include a mix of social and cultural history, as well as archives from its creative industries, originating from twelve Nigerian organizations.

How does the Arctic World Archive preserve data?

The Arctic World Archive stores records on specialized digitised film called Piql, which is designed to last up to 2,000 years in the cold, dark, and dry conditions found 300 meters beneath a mountain in Svalbard.

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First African Nation Archives History in Arctic

17 Mar

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Summary

Nigeria first African nation to archive data in Arctic World Archive.
Records preserved on Piql film, lasting up to 2,000 years.
Arctic World Archive is an initiative inspired by Svalbard global seed vault.

First African Nation Archives History in Arctic

Nigeria has become the first African nation to deposit its historical and cultural records in the Arctic World Archive (AWA). This facility, located 300 meters beneath a mountain near the North Pole, uses specialized Piql film to preserve data for up to 2,000 years. The AWA's cold, dark, and dry conditions are ideal for long-term storage.

Inspired by the Svalbard global seed vault, AWA was established in 2017 by a Norwegian technology company. It holds records from 37 countries, including contributions from the Vatican Library and the European Space Agency. Nigeria's submission features a blend of social history, cultural heritage, and archives from its creative industries, originating from twelve different Nigerian organizations.