Save Rare Seed Bank from destruction
- by: Catherine Wright
- recipient: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin
The seed bank just outside of St Petersburg (previously Leningrad) preserves more than 5000 unusual fruits and ornamental plants, including plums, pears, apples, strawberries and currants.
The seed bank known as Vavilov Research Institute was founded in 1926 by Nikolai Vavilov, and during the World War 11 siege of Leningrad , 12 scientists chose to starve to death rather than eat the seeds.
A government housing development agency has recently been awarded rights to the land and the seed bank is facing destruction.
In a world that is fast losing biodiversity, we cannot afford to sacrifice this valuable seed bank and the precious plants it holds.
We, the undersigned wish to draw your attention to the following:
It has come to our attention that a rare seed bank, the Vavilov Research Institute near St Petersburg, is facing destruction.
The seed bank was founded in 1926 and preserves over 5000 unique varieties of fruits and ornamental plants. We understand this property has recently been awarded to a housing development agency.
In a world of ever decreasing biodiversity, we feel it is vital that you prevent the loss of this precious resource. We urge you to step in and save the Vavilov Research Institute.
We thank you sincerely for taking the time to read our submission.
