Cate Blanchett highlights the significance of seed conservation at Kew's Millennium Seed Bank, reflecting on its role in restoring environments and protecting plant species.
Cate Blanchett involved with seed conservation
Millennium Seed Bank marks 25 years
2.5 billion seeds stored worldwide
Focus on restoring endangered ecosystems
Seed bank aids recovery after Australian wildfires
Blanchett's gardening skills improve
Conservation seen as a positive story
Cate Blanchett is promoting the importance of seed conservation while visiting Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, highlighting its critical role in restoring ecosystems and saving plant species.
Cate Blanchett’s Involvement in Seed Conservation
Blanchett, an award-winning actress, has found inspiration in the world of seeds, especially the banksia species from Australia. She discovered the Millennium Seed Bank while exploring her local landscape.
She expressed her admiration for the work done at the bank, saying she was “mind blown” by their projects and eager to be involved in the conservation efforts.
Significance of the Millennium Seed Bank
The Millennium Seed Bank houses over 2.5 billion seeds from around 40,000 plant species. Seeds are processed, dried, and stored at -20C to preserve their viability.
Although originally seen as a backup for endangered plants, the bank now focuses on restoring threatened environments using its seed collection worldwide.
Restoration Projects and Future Goals
The seed bank is involved in various restoration projects globally, including efforts to revive areas affected by wildfires. Blanchett appreciates the insurance policy provided by these seeds for Australian flora.
Blanchett believes that the seed bank is the UK’s best-kept secret and expects its role in conservation will grow ever more vital in coming years.
Sophia Clarke is a senior international journalist with nine years of experience covering global politics, human rights, and international diplomacy.She earned her M.A. in International Relations and Journalism from the University of Oxford (2016), where she specialized in global governance, conflict reporting, and cross-cultural communication.Sophia began her career as a foreign correspondent for BBC World Service and later joined The Guardian, where her insightful analyses and on-the-ground reporting from Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America earned her recognition for accuracy and integrity.Now based in Paris, France, Sophia contributes to Faharas NET, providing comprehensive coverage of diplomatic affairs, humanitarian issues, and policy developments shaping the international landscape. Her storytelling combines investigative depth, journalistic ethics, and a strong commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices in global dialogue.
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