Home / Environment / Chile's Noah's Ark: Seeds Saved from Extinction
Chile's Noah's Ark: Seeds Saved from Extinction
1 Feb
Summary
- Chile preserves its unique flora in a remote Atacama Desert seed bank.
- The Initihuasi seed bank safeguards genetic material against catastrophes.
- This initiative aims to adapt Chilean agriculture to climate change impacts.
Nestled in Chile's Atacama Desert, the Initihuasi seed bank operates as a crucial safeguard for the nation's botanical heritage. Located remotely to protect against potential catastrophes, this facility meticulously preserves Chilean flora.
The seed bank maintains seeds in a walk-in freezer at -4 degrees Fahrenheit and 15% humidity, using earthquake-proof storage. It houses specimens, including species once thought extinct, contributing significantly to Chile's rich biodiversity, of which 46% is endemic.
This national network of seed banks, with Initihuasi as its hub, is preparing for future challenges, particularly climate change. The stored genetic material is intended to enable adaptation of Chilean agriculture to altered environmental conditions predicted in the coming decades.
Some of Chile's seed collections have been shared globally, with duplicates sent to Colombia and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. This initiative underscores Chile's commitment to conservation and its role in securing agricultural resilience.
