In the midst of the extreme conditions of the Atacama Desert in Chile, one of South America’s most significant botanical repositories is dedicated to preserving the rich plant diversity of the nation. This remarkable facility, known as the Initihuasi Seed Bank, serves as a vital hub in a comprehensive network of institutions focused on safeguarding both wild and cultivated plant heritage for future generations.
Situated within the rocky terrain of the driest desert on Earth, Initihuasi is designed to keep its precious contents cool and secure. A state-of-the-art walk-in freezer maintains a frigid temperature of -4°F, housing countless aluminum foil packets filled with seeds from a wide array of plant families native to Chile.
Protected by sturdy, earthquake-resistant concrete walls, the seed vault is home to some truly unique specimens, including rare flower cacti and various grape varieties essential to the country’s renowned wine industry. Ana Sandoval, a dedicated researcher at the facility for over ten years, emphasizes the importance of their mission, stating, “We have a very important mission, because we are contributing to the conservation of our biodiversity.”
The Initihuasi Seed Bank collaborates closely with other seed banks and scientific institutions across Chile, ensuring that all 4,655 plant species found in the country are represented, with nearly half being endemic. Ongoing field expeditions diligently explore the region to enhance the seed bank’s collection. In addition, on-site greenhouses and cultivation facilities allow researchers to develop best practices for propagating the rarer species.
This initiative also plays a crucial role in a broader South American network of seed banks, working tirelessly to preserve the continent’s incredible biodiversity, even in the face of climate change or potential fragmentation of its stunning landscapes, from the Atacama to the Andes and beyond.
Seed vaults are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, with notable facilities like the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew in the UK and the renowned Global Seed Vault located on the Svalbard island in Norway, above the Arctic Circle. The work being done at Initihuasi is a testament to the commitment to preserving our planet’s natural treasures for the future.
