News published: 22 July 2026

The Korea Arboreta and Gardens Institute (KoAGI), which operates the Baekdudaegan Global Seed Vault (BGSV) in South Korea, has launched “Island Seeds, Global Legacy,” an international conservation initiative dedicated to safeguarding wild plant species in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Applications are open through 31 August 2026. This initiative directly responds to IUCN Resolution 8.094 (2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress), which calls for the urgent expansion of ex situ seed conservation for wild plant species across SIDS.

What the Initiative Offers

The project is built on three core pillars: capacity building, long-term conservation, and potential collaborative research.

Capacity Building & Training: Participating institutions will receive a comprehensive Training of Trainers (ToT) program. This begins with an online module and can be followed by hands-on, in-person training at KoAGI’s facilities in South Korea. This equips local staff to collect and process seeds in line with international standards.

Financial & Logistical Support: KoAGI will provide a specialized “Black Box Kit” (reinforced container, heat-sealable aluminum pouches, silica gel, and security seals) and 15,000,000 KRW (approx. USD 10,000) per institution, per cycle, for local seed collection and duplicate storage.

Target Collection: Each institution must collect at least 55 priority species (focusing on orthodox seeds) per cycle. Seeds will be stored in duplicate – both in the host country’s seed bank and at BGSV. The country of origin retains full sovereignty over all deposited genetic resources

Governance and Legal Framework

Partnerships will be formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) and Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) to ensure compliance with national biosecurity regulations and the Nagoya Protocol. Black Boxes deposited at BGSV will be secured with tamper-evident security labels. BGSV cannot open these containers without the depositing institution’s prior written consent.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include government institutions and NGOs based in UN-designated SIDS in the Caribbean, Pacific, and AIS (Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South China Sea) regions. Priority is given to government bodies (e.g., forestry departments, environmental ministries). NGOs must submit a formal letter of support from their national authority.

For each cycle, three institutions will be selected based on:

1. Conservation Urgency: Threat level of target species (prioritizing IUCN Red List).
2. Endemism: Proportion of endemic species in the proposed collection.
3. Climate Vulnerability: Percentage of land area lying below 5 meters above sea level.

How to Apply

Download the Application Form and Target Species List form. Submit completed packages to yb09@koagi.or.kr or seedvault@koagi.or.kr by 31 August 2026.

For inquiries: Young-been Kim / Global Seed Vault Center, KoAGI / yb09@koagi.or.kr