

The Shocking True Story of the World's First Seed Bank—And The Scientists Who Sacrificed Their Lives to Save It
Feb 25, 2025
During World War II, Leningrad's citizens faced unimaginable starvation, yet a group of botanists chose to protect vital seeds over their own survival. Their sacrifice led to the establishment of the world's first seed bank, safeguarding crop genetic diversity for future generations. The podcast dives into the personal stories of these pioneers, highlighting their dedication amid political turmoil and resource scarcity. It raises ethical questions about preserving biodiversity while navigating the dark realities of war, showcasing their legacy in modern agriculture.
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Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Intro
00:00 • 2min
The Pioneers of Seed Preservation: A Story of Sacrifice and Innovation
01:53 • 2min
Seeds of Conflict and Innovation
04:11 • 12min
Survival Under Duress and Culinary Sponsorships
15:55 • 4min
The Siege of Leningrad: Survival amidst Despair
19:42 • 13min
Guardians of Seeds: An Ethical Dilemma
33:09 • 5min
Seeds of Resilience
38:13 • 10min
The Struggles of Preserving Biodiversity: A Modern Parallel
47:44 • 3min