In February 2008, the Norwegian Government officially opened the Global Seed Vault. This is the world’s largest secure seed storage facility, which has been receiving deposits ever since.

The seeds remain the property of the depositors. The seed bank itself is funded by the Norwegian Government with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food having responsibility for its operations.

More information about the Seed Vault can be found at their website.

Even though we will visiting Longyearbyen, the vault is located outside of the town, and at an elevation. So it is unlikely we will get to visit it, especially since it is not open to the public (to be expected). The most I can hope for, is to get a glimpse of it in the distance.

On the other hand, the hotel we are staying at while in Longyearbyen, is called The Vault. Does this mean that I will be checking in, but never leaving?????