Scientists from the Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing have, for the first time, contributed seeds to the global seed vault in Svalbard. A total of 522 samples belonging to eight botanical species of alfalfa have been deposited for safekeeping.

According to the institute, this initiative aims to ensure food security and preserve valuable seed species in the event of global catastrophes, including climate change.

"Kazakhstan lacks its own national genetic bank, despite the diversity of endemic plants and grasses. In the event of the closure of the sole agricultural research institute, we risk losing samples of unique plants, posing a threat to the country's food security," added the institution.

Scientists emphasize that pressure and unsystematic use lead to the degradation and erosion of pastures. As a result, genetic diversity at the level of indigenous cultures and their ecotypes is narrowing and, in some places, disappearing.

The 'Doomsday Vault,' opened in 2008 and inaccessible to the public, is jointly managed by the Norwegian government, the non-profit organization Crop Trust, and the gene banks of Northern European countries, coordinated by NordGen.

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