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Deep Dive: Wild Relatives (2018)

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Wild Relatives
In 'Wild Relatives', seeds from the Global Seed Vault in Norway are presented as a vital backup for global agriculture. The film follows Syrian refugees in the Beqaa Valley, Lebanon, who replicate seeds from a gene bank in Aleppo after the civil war disrupted their agricultural practices. This effort occurs under dry conditions and the influence of global agricultural corporations, illustrating the intersection of personal and global agricultural crises. The documentary contrasts this with the situation in the Arctic Circle, where rising temperatures and melting glaciers threaten the integrity of the Global Seed Vault. Designed to withstand catastrophic events, the vault faces new risks due to climate change. The film emphasizes the importance of preserving biodiversity amid geopolitical turmoil and environmental challenges.

Why Watch

  • •See Syrian refugees replicating vital seeds in Lebanon
  • •Find out how climate change threatens the Global Seed Vault
  • •Meet director Jumana Manna and her unique perspective

Did You Know

•The Global Seed Vault is located in Norway and serves as a backup for global agriculture.
•Syrian refugees in the Beqaa Valley are replicating seeds from Aleppo's gene bank.
•The documentary has a duration of 70 minutes and was released in 2018.

Perfect For

Seed preservationClimate change impactSyrian refugee stories