Endangered species such humpback whales and rhinoceros often grab the headlines, but plant life is under threat too.
Fruits and vegetables that humans have been growing for millennia are dying out as we speak.
Will there by enough species left to restart a civilization?
The solution a Noah’s ark for seeds.
In recent years, some national genebanks have also been destroyed by war and civil strife.
Samples came in from Ireland, the U.S., Canada, Switzerland, Colombia, Mexico and Syria.
As of March 2013, the number of distinct samples rose to 770,000.
The vault is constructed 120 meters inside a sandstone mountain at Svalbard on Spitsbergen Island.
Being located 130 meters above sea level will ensure that the site remains dry even if the icecaps melt.
Seeds are packaged in special four-ply packets and heat sealed to exclude moisture.
Locally mined coal provides power for refrigeration units that store the seeds at 18 C (0 F).
To maintain security, motion sensors and a webcam monitor the door.
The the Norwegian artist Dyveke Sanne was commissioned to make the light installation.
The roof and vault entrance are filled with highly reflective stainless steel, mirrors, and prisms.
Source:Wikipedia,BBC,Wired
