It’s no secret that the world is in a state of crisis. Wars have raged for years, natural disasters have left people homeless, and climate change threatens our very existence. As if all of these devastating events weren’t enough, we are now in a position where the food supply isn’t safe. This is why seed banks – or repositories that store seeds from plants worldwide- are so crucial to humanity. Shall we dive a bit deeper?
What is a Seed Bank?
Seed banks are essentially a bank for a plant’s genetic material. They store seeds from various plants to preserve the world’s biodiversity and have them available for research, conservation efforts, or simply for food production. Without these repositories of our collective history, mankind would lose one crucial food security resource!
Why are Seed Banks Important?
Seed banks help us to maintain a diversity of crops. As we mentioned earlier, this is important because the world is in a state of crisis, and we can’t rely on our current food supply to last much longer. With climate change wreaking havoc on crop production, it’s essential that we have access to as many different varieties of seeds as possible.
Seed banks also give us the ability to save seeds from our crops. As you may know, some plants only grow every few years, and we need to be able to collect their seed for them to reproduce. It would be virtually impossible to keep these species alive without this genetic material.
Finally, seed banks allow scientists and researchers around the world access to these invaluable resources. They can use the seeds for a variety of reasons, ranging from studying how to make them more resistant or understanding their nutritional value and uses.
What Can You Do?
Now you know all about seed banks, it’s time we discuss what YOU can do to help sustain our planet. Luckily, there are many ways that you can participate. The first is to start your own seed bank. This sounds complicated, but it’s actually very easy; just visit this website to learn how.
Another way that you can help is by not wasting food. When the average person throws away about 20% of their groceries, they are essentially throwing away seeds that could be used to help feed people. You can also support your local seed bank by donating money or volunteering your time.
Seed banks are an essential part of our future, and we must do everything in our power to ensure their survival. With your help, we can make sure that the world’s food supply is safe for generations to come.