[Science News] - Opening of the Green Ark and the new seed bank at the Meise Botanic Garden

On Wednesday 22 May, to mark International Biodiversity Day, the Meise Botanic Garden inaugurated the Green Ark and its seed bank.

The Green Arch, a state-of-the-art 7,600 m² greenhouse complex, is home to more than 10,000 plant species from all over the world. This complex enables the Meise Botanic Garden to preserve and study endangered plants, an essential objective in view of the global decline in biodiversity.

Alongside the Green Ark, a new seed bank has also been inaugurated, where millions of seeds are stored in optimal conditions. This seed bank is an important resource for the reintroduction and reinforcement of threatened plant species in their natural habitats. It also plays a crucial role in food security by preserving wild relatives of crop plants.

The Green Ark is not just a science facility, it's also a new attraction for the public. A visitors' pavilion offers a direct view of the greenhouses and is designed to inform and inspire visitors. It offers a unique opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes look at the precious plant collections and learn more about the threats to plants and the efforts being made to protect them.

The opening of the Green Ark and Seed Bank marks an important milestone in the mission of the Meise Botanic Garden and promises a unique experience for visitors.