The National Germplasm Bank of INIAP has reached a major milestone in the conservation of agrobiodiversity by completing the shipment of more than 800 accessions of Ecuadorian seeds to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway—known as the “Doomsday Vault.”

These samples represent the genetic richness of ancestral Andean crops, including lupin, maize, quinoa, and amaranth. Their preservation in Svalbard ensures a global backup in the event of natural disasters, climate crises, or food emergencies, guaranteeing that Ecuador’s genetic heritage remains available for future research and food security.

This achievement was made possible through strong international collaboration, with the valuable support of the Crop Trust through the BOLD 1 project (Biodiversity for Opportunities, Livelihoods and Development), and the efficient fund management of IICA—key partners in making this globally significant mission a reality.

Through this milestone, INIAP reaffirms its commitment to preserving agricultural diversity and contributing to global sustainability.