'Can be visited only 6 times a year': Norway’s hidden mountain holds Earth's last food hope

Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh

Silent Guardian

Hidden beneath a snow-covered mountain, a mysterious fortress safeguards humanity’s future, accessible only six times a year.

Seed Haven

Known as the Global Seed Vault, it hosts over one million seed samples, a critical resource for global food security.

Frozen Vault

Located in Svalbard, Norway, this subterranean sanctuary is chilled to -18°C, ensuring seeds remain viable for centuries.

Crisis Shield

Designed as a backup for catastrophic events, the vault preserves crops from wars, disasters, and pandemics.

Collaborative Effort

Managed by Norway, the Crop Trust, and NordGen, this vault symbolizes international unity in securing biodiversity.

Rare Access

Only opened six times a year, entry is restricted to experts depositing new seeds, maintaining its mystique.

Permafrost Design

Encased in Arctic ice, the vault’s robust architecture naturally amplifies its chilling environment, guarding seeds from decay.

Virtual Tour

Curious minds can explore the vault online, offering a digital peek into this cold, echoing wonder.

Future Ready

Asmund Asdal, a coordinator, calls it a vital asset for coming generations, a sentiment echoed by global experts.