Overview
The Keep Eternally Your Seeds for Future Program (KEYS for Future Program), led by the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) in collaboration with the Baekdudaegan Global Seed Vault (BGSV), is dedicated to enhancing seed conservation capacity across Asia.
The KEYS for Future program is designed to enhance the genetic resource capacity of AFoCO member countries, aiming to safeguard plant genetic resources by preserving seeds under optimal conditions and ensuring their availability for future generations. What makes this Program truly unique is its integration with BGSV—one of only two permanent global storage facilities for wild plant seeds. This ensures that seeds are safeguarded against both natural and human-made disasters, securing biodiversity for future generations.
AFoCO member countries are encouraged to leverage BGSV’s cutting-edge facilities for wild plant conservation, seed duplication, and advanced research opportunities. Depositors also gain access to exclusive benefits, including:
- Technical training in seed preservation and management
- Knowledge exchange programs with leading experts
- Access to world-class seed research facilities
Through the KEYS for Future Program, AFoCO prioritizes invitations for seed depositors to participate in BGSV-organized workshops and symposia, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the field of seed conservation.
Join us in preserving Asia’s plant diversity and securing a resilient future—one seed at a time.
Eligibility & Selection Criteria
- Active government officials from AFoCO member countries, nominated by their respective Representatives to the Assembly
- Strong potential to develop and implement their country’s seed deposit plan at the Baekdudaegan Global Seed Vault (BGSV)
- Technical-level researchers with a minimum of five years of experience in seed conservation, forestry, or related fields
- Academic background in forestry, environmental sciences, or related disciplines
- Proficiency in English (both spoken and written)
- Good health to participate actively in field and training activities
Partner Institution
The KEYS for Future Program is organized in collaboration with the Baekdudaegan Global Seed Vault (BGSV), which specializes in seed and nursery management, seed collection and preservation technologies, and biodiversity conservation strategies.
The Baekdudaegan Global Seed Vault (BGSV) plays a crucial role in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss by offering a secure, long-term preservation solution. Importantly, when countries deposit their seeds in BGSV, they retain full ownership and control, ensuring flexibility and sovereignty over their genetic resources. By working together, we can protect millions of seeds from the world’s wild plant species, ensuring their availability for future ecological restoration and scientific research.
For more information on the seed deposit process, please visit HERE.
Working Group on Seed Management
The seed management working group is set to expand through strategic collaboration with scientific institutions and innovative research partnerships in Korea. Utilizing the Asian Forest Living Lab, this initiative promotes forest restoration and conservation by integrating scientific research and real-world applications.
The scope of cooperation includes the following activities under AFoCO’s authority and partnerships:
- Supporting member countries in seed deposit activities at the BGSV
- Facilitating knowledge exchange through best practices, case studies, and technical experience-sharing among government officials, professionals, and young researchers
- Enhancing capacity-building through structured learning visits, hands-on training, workshops, secondments, and the transfer of new technologies and seed management systems
- Promoting joint research by sharing findings, conducting technical analyses, and developing tree seed conservation strategies
- Raising awareness on environmental and climate change issues at the community level
This initiative will strengthen seed conservation efforts, safeguarding genetic resources and laying the foundation for a sustainable and climate-resilient future for Asia’s forests.
