In a barren, cold and secluded spot, only 1,000 km (620 miles) from the North Pole, a bunker was drilled deep into the rocks near Longyearbyen by the Norwegian government in Spitsbergen in 2008: a 130-meter long tunnel that opens onto three spacious freezers with a temperature of -18° C (0.4°F).

Here, the seeds of all crops in the world are collected to protect them against all types of disasters, to prevent species from extinction. A safety vault for the protection of the biodiversity of our food crops. Currently, 1,074,537 different plant seeds are stored. The bunker has a total capacity to safeguard 4.5 million varieties. The biggest advantage of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault is its unique location, far from potential disasters such as earthquakes and wars, protected deep in the permafrost.

After eight months of networking, I was finally permitted to enter the Vault. I am happy to share my experience with you!

Christian's work

My name is Christian Clauwers. As a professional climate/nature photographer and speaker, I focus on the relationship between man and nature from a number of perspectives, with the oceans as my primary theme. Evidence of the impact the human species has had on nature is staggering. The urgency required for the preservation of our oceans, which includes the biodiversity of our planet, cannot be overstated.

In December, I had the honour to show my work at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP25), in Madrid, as an official Belgian delegate, which included presenting my work. Previous projects include a semi-circumnavigation of the Antarctic continent and sailing through the South Atlantic Ocean. In 2019, I joined the French Government’s mission to the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (“T.A.A.F.”) in the South Indian Ocean.

With my photographic work, publications and lectures, my goal is to increase global awareness of the impact of declining biodiversity, the rising sea levels, coastal erosion, the decline of sources and plastic pollution, both in society and on a political level. For more information: www.clauwers.com