Dutch Seed Bank Unlocks Climate-Proof Forests with Ancient Genetics
Wageningen, Wednesday, 24 June 2026.
The Netherlands has secured a genetic time capsule—wild pear, acid berry, and 32 other native species—preserved since the last Ice Age. This expanded seed bank, stored at -20°C, could hold the key to drought-resistant forests and disease-proof crops, offering a lifeline for ecosystems under climate stress. The most striking fact? Just 5% of the Netherlands’ original wild tree populations remain, making this collection a critical backup for biodiversity.
A Genetic Vault for Climate-Resilient Forests
The Netherlands has taken a significant step in safeguarding its ecological future by expanding its seed and gene bank for trees and shrubs. Operated by the Centrum voor Genetische Bronnen Nederland (CGN), part of Wageningen University & Research, this initiative focuses on preserving genetic material from native species that have thrived since the last Ice Age, approximately 12,000 years ago [1]. The gene bank, located in the Flevopolder, Flevoland, now includes 32 new seed accessions collected in 2025, such as acid berry (Berberis vulgaris), red honeysuckle (Lonicera xylosteum), and wild apple (Malus sylvestris) [1]. These additions are not merely botanical specimens; they represent a strategic effort to enhance biodiversity and climate resilience in Dutch forests and agricultural landscapes.
Preserving the Past to Protect the Future
The CGN gene bank is a critical repository for autochthonous—indigenous—tree and shrub populations, which now constitute only about 5% of their original numbers in Dutch forests and landscapes [1]. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency of the gene bank’s mission. By preserving these genetic resources, CGN ensures that future generations of researchers, policymakers, and innovators have access to a diverse pool of genetic material. This diversity is essential for developing climate-resilient crops and reforestation strategies capable of withstanding challenges such as drought, disease, and shifting climatic conditions [1]. The gene bank employs advanced preservation techniques, including storage at -20°C, which maintains the seeds’ germination capacity for decades [1]. This method is particularly vital for species under severe ecological pressure or those unsuitable for live gene banks.
Innovative Approaches to Genetic Preservation
One of the most notable additions to the gene bank in 2025 is the wild pear (Pyrus pyraster), preserved using a novel approach. Unlike traditional seed-based collections, the wild pear is stored as cuttings to avoid genetic contamination from domesticated varieties [1]. This method ensures the purity of the genetic material, which is crucial for ongoing DNA research aimed at understanding and leveraging the species’ adaptive traits. The 2025 collections also expanded the genetic material from key regions, including the Wadden Islands, Zuid-Limburg, Twente, and Gelderland. Notable species added from these areas include Vaccinium uliginosum and various Genista species, which are adapted to local environmental conditions [1]. These regional collections provide a nuanced understanding of how genetic diversity varies across the Netherlands, offering insights into localized climate adaptation strategies.
From Preservation to Application: The Broader Impact
The expanded gene bank is more than a static repository; it is a dynamic resource for innovation in green biotechnology and agritech. Researchers can tap into this genetic diversity to develop new varieties of trees and shrubs that are better equipped to handle the stresses of climate change, such as prolonged droughts and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases [1]. For example, species like field maple (Acer campestre), dogwood (Cornus sanguinea), and hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata), which were also added to the collection in 2025, are known for their hardiness and ecological value [1]. These species can play a pivotal role in reforestation projects, soil stabilization, and the creation of biodiverse habitats that support wildlife and pollinators.
Leadership and Vision: The People Behind the Project
The expansion of the CGN gene bank is led by Sipke Joost Hiemstra, Director of the Centrum voor Genetische Bronnen Nederland [2]. Under his leadership, CGN has grown into a cornerstone of genetic preservation in the Netherlands, with a mandate that extends beyond trees and shrubs to include crops, livestock, and aquaculture [2]. Hiemstra’s vision is reflected in the ongoing investment in new gene bank facilities on the Wageningen Campus, where all current and future collections of plant and animal genetic material will be housed under one roof [2]. This centralized approach aims to enhance accessibility, improve research collaboration, and amplify the impact of the gene bank’s resources.
A Global Model for Genetic Preservation
While the CGN gene bank is a national initiative, its implications are global. The challenges posed by climate change—such as rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and the spread of pests and diseases—are not confined by borders. By preserving genetic diversity, the Netherlands is contributing to a global effort to build resilient ecosystems and sustainable food systems [2]. The gene bank’s resources are available to international researchers and policymakers, fostering cross-border collaboration in the fight against biodiversity loss and climate change. This initiative aligns with broader trends in ecological research, such as the work of U.S.-based researcher Monai McCullough, who recently completed a residency in Nigeria focused on documenting local ecological knowledge and plant species [3]. McCullough’s research, supported by the Terra Foundation for American Art, highlights the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern genetic preservation efforts to create holistic solutions for climate adaptation [3].