Millennium Seed Bank Partnership

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The Millennium Seed Bank Partnership (MSBP) is a global initiative dedicated to the conservation of plant diversity through the collection and preservation of seeds. It is managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and is based at the Wakehurst Place in West Sussex, United Kingdom. The MSBP aims to safeguard wild plant species from extinction by storing seeds in a secure, long-term facility.

History

The Millennium Seed Bank Partnership was officially launched in the year 2000. It was an expansion of the earlier Seed Bank Project initiated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in 1974. The project was significantly funded by the Millennium Commission and other donors, which allowed for the construction of a state-of-the-art seed storage facility at Wakehurst Place.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the MSBP are:

• To collect and conserve seeds from wild plant species, particularly those that are rare, endangered, or have economic importance.
• To provide a resource for scientific research and the restoration of habitats.
• To support global biodiversity by collaborating with international partners.

Seed Collection and Storage

Seeds are collected from various regions around the world, often in collaboration with local botanical institutions and conservation organizations. The seeds undergo a rigorous process of cleaning, drying, and testing before being stored in temperature-controlled vaults. The MSBP employs advanced techniques to ensure the longevity and viability of the seeds, including cryopreservation for certain species.

Global Partnerships

The MSBP collaborates with over 100 partner organizations in more than 95 countries. These partnerships are crucial for the collection and conservation of seeds from diverse ecosystems. The MSBP provides training, resources, and technical support to its partners to enhance their capacity for seed conservation.

Research and Education

The MSBP is also a center for research on seed biology, conservation techniques, and the impacts of climate change on plant species. It offers educational programs and resources to raise awareness about the importance of plant conservation and the role of seed banks in preserving biodiversity.

Achievements

As of 2023, the MSBP has successfully conserved seeds from over 40,000 species of plants, representing approximately 16% of the world's wild plant species. This achievement marks significant progress towards the goal of conserving 25% of the world's plant species by 2025.

See Also

• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
• Seed bank
• Biodiversity
• Conservation biology
• Cryopreservation