Svalbard Global Seed Vault receives Princess of Asturias Award

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault has been awarded the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for International Cooperation. During a press conference, representatives emphasized that the facility serves as a vital ‘insurance policy’ for the world's food security.

Stefan Schmitz, CEO of Crop Trust, stated that any attack on the vault would constitute ‘an attack against humanity.’ The facility currently houses approximately 1.4 million seed samples deposited by 135 seed banks from nearly 80 countries, including varieties of wheat, rice, and olives.

Norwegian officials highlighted the vault's role in agricultural resilience against climate change, pests, and diseases. Despite global political tensions, the vault remains a site of shared international responsibility. Experts noted that the facility is located in the coldest part of Svalbard, where temperatures are maintained at -18 degrees Celsius, ensuring the samples remain secure for at least another century despite climate change.