Greenbank

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Helping Siora Grow

What is Greenbank?  Greenbank is the cornerstone of the not-for-profit Global Biodiversity Initiative.  Dedicated to preserving and sharing the genetic diversity of Sioran flora, Greenbank is the world's largest and most comprehensive seed vault.  With its roots in the foundation of the 1498 Arctic Nations Seed Trust, Greenbank is also the oldest initiative of its kind, and throughout its decades in service, its mission has remained the same: to preserve and promote the sharing of global plant resources for culinary, medicinal, industrial and cultural use.


What is a seed bank?  A seed bank, also known as a seed vault or seed library, is a type of biorepository - a physical storage facility that specializes in collecting and cataloging samples of living organisms.  Seed banks are designed to keep seeds viable to be planted even after long periods of storage.  In the event of a natural or other disaster which would impact global weather conditions, seed banks like Greenbank are designed to withstand harsh conditions for several decades in order to keep their precious cargo viable.


Who owns and operates Greenbank?  Although, as in keeping with tradition since its origins as the Arctic Nations Seed Trust, Greenbank is located in Karjelinn and is currently headed by a Karjelinnian CEO, its board is comprised of representatives of eleven different nations.  The day-to-day operations of Greenbank are managed by a rotating staff of botanists, cryogeneticists, bioengineers, and other highly specialized scientists from all corners of Siora.


Where do the seeds in Greenbank come from?  Seed donations are typically offered by a nation's federal agriculture, wildlife and/or forestry department.  At times, Greenbank may contact a nation to request samples of certain seeds if the plant is of particular importance - for example: extreme weather-hearty crops, or important medicinal herbs.  If you are a representative of a federal agriculture, wildlife and/or forestry department and you would like to make a seed donation, please make your inquiries here.