Seeds on Ice: Svalbard and the Global Seed Vault: Svalbard and the Global Seed Vault

Seeds On Ice takes most readers to a place they’ve likely never been (Svalbard, Norway) and to another place they’ve definitely not been: a seed vault carved deep into Norway’s permafrost.Cary Fowler’s beautifully photographed and designed book chronicles the remarkable feat of inspiration and engineering behind the seed vault. Something like the planet’s “appendix,” it’s a repository of many of the invaluable things the earth needs to reboot parts of itself after a disaster like a war, flood, fire, or earthquake: seeds that supply the world’s residents with the food that keeps them— and their traditions—alive.Seeds from plants native to each nation are “deposited” in Svalbard and safely stored until they’re needed; a “just in case” collection that has already proven its necessity: The fighting and devastation in Syria have already prompted the vault’s first “withdrawal,” an emergency return of seeds needed to regrow essentials like wheat, barley, chickpeas, and beans.This fascinating and important book is also a pleasure to read, with Mr. Fowler’s scholarship translated into accessible and engaging prose. Of all the images in the book, the most enduring for me was a local woman pushing a baby carriage with a rifle strapped across her back—necessary protection from the very real threat of a polar bear attack.I think our seeds are safe in Svalbard!

Incredibly informative book about what happens when, and if, humanity destroys itself. Frightening but optimistic. I rest a bit easier knower this vault is here. Brought up interesting questions and concerns regarding a vault to house sperm and eggs to repopulate the earth with animals. Definitely thought provoking. A must read.

This book is filled with gorgeous illustrations and informative text about how Global Seed Vault was organized and built. The details about genetic diversity list the numbers of species, longevity of seed life, and so much more. Along with the descriptions of the contents of the vault the author talks extensively about the idea of the vault and what it took to build this building in one of the coldest parts of our planet.This book makes a great gift!

I purchased the book because the subject as I find very interesting. Was very disappointed with the book there are a lot of pretty pictures to look at but the information is shallow and really doesn’t cover the topic well. I can read it from cover to cover and one short setting. Returned product.

The story is interesting and important if you are care about the deep future. But there are a lot of big pictures and blank pages to fill out the book.

A thoughtful book written by Cary Fowler, who knows the subject better than anyone. Beautiful photographs by Mari Tefre. I highly recommend it.

Gave this as a gift and the recipient loves it.

Especially interesting book not only on the world seed bank but on Svalbard itself.

Nachdem ich eine Dokumentation über den Bau des Svalbard Seed Vault gesehen habe, wollte ich unbedingt mehr über dieses einmalige Projekt erfahren. Das Buch bietet Einblicke in die aller ersten Tage der Samenbank, von der ersten Idee hin bis zur vollständigen Realisierung. Leider sind selbst im Internet nur spärliche Informationen oder Bilder vom Inneren der Anlage zu finden, weshalb dieses Werk als Einziges seiner Art Einblicke in die tiefen des Berges liefert. Zahlreiche Bilder, sei es von den Originaldokumenten, der Landschaft, der Samen aus aller Welt, sowie die vielen Hintergrundgeschichten machen das Fernweh zu diesem internationalen Mammutprojekt perfekt.Meine Buchempfehlung für kalte Wintertage vor dem Kamin!