More than 100,000 seeds from across Africa have been deposited in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, the world’s repository for specimens intended to preserve crop diversity in the event of disaster.
Among the latest additions are seeds critical to building climate resilience, such as the tree Faidherbia albida, which turns nitrogen into ammonia and nitrates, and Cordia africana, the Sudan teak, a tree renowned for its strength and durability.
The seeds, from 177 different species, were delivered to the Norwegian vault on Tuesday by Dr Éliane Ubalijoro, the chief executive of the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (Cifor-Icraf).
“For me, seeds are about hope,” Ubalijoro said. “They’re about moving beyond survival, particularly when you come from places that have gone through really difficult times. When I think of my country of Rwanda and what happened in 1994, seed banks were critical when it came to rebuilding after the genocide.”
Ubalijoro said countries that had experienced disaster and conflict could emerge as leaders in the fight against climate breakdown.
“We understand the urgency,” she said. “We understand what it is to go through deep despair and having to rebuild completely. It also creates personal stories which people who haven’t gone through such collective traumas can relate to. It’s this idea of having a seed bank for the planet. How we care collectively for each other, how we care for the biodiversity of our food systems is critical.
“We have areas in Asia, Africa and Latin America that go from drought to wetlands, so there’s a huge opportunity to learn from the knowledge of Indigenous peoples to create the resilience we need.”
It was also important to nurture environments where native trees could thrive, Ubalijoro said. “If you plant trees in the wrong area, you risk creating what are called ecological deserts where local pollinators don’t recognise or feed on those trees, and that actually decreases biodiversity.”
She said recognising the significance of women’s roles in agriculture was also important. “In many countries in Africa, 60% of women or more participate in agriculture. We must ensure the biodiversity that is needed to protect these ‘women’s crops’, and make sure they are prioritised,” she said.
“I’m a mother. I viscerally feel the need to preserve our planet’s biodiversity. It’s about creating the possibility of a greener, more resilient future together, and making sure the landscapes we cherish today continue to thrive for generations to come.”
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Five new species added to the seed bank
Faidherbia albida
An indigenous African tree that is known for its fast growth, Faidherbia albida can reach up to 30 metres tall. It is a much sought-after nitrogen-fixing tree, meaning it converts nitrogen found in the atmosphere into a form that can be used by plants, improving soil health and productivity and helping ecosystems adapt to change.
Acacia polyacantha
Also known as white thorn, Acacia polyacantha is a flowering tree that can grow to up to 25 metres in height. It has several medicinal uses including for treating snake bites and livestock infections such as salmonella. Its leaves also serve as fodder for cattle.
Adansonia digitata
The African baobab is the most widespread tree species of the adansonia species group. It is nutrient-rich and high in fibre, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc and vitamin C. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and its leaves are used to treat kidney and bladder diseases, asthma, diarrhoea and insect bites.
Sesbania sesban
Sesbania sesban, also known as Egyptian riverhemp, has nitrogen fixation properties, meaning it can help with soil fertility and stabilisation. It is also a food source, with its leaves being used to feed livestock and its seeds fermented into tempeh. Its leaves have antiinflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral properties.
Cordia africana
A mid-sized, white-flowered evergreen tree, the Sudan teak is a valuable timber species native to Africa and part of the borage family. It is known for its strength, durability and resistance to moisture, decay and pests, and requires little maintenance when used for carpentry. It also bears edible fruit.
