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Norway
The Forest of the Future Library
Where is it?
The Forest of the Future Library is located in Nordmarka, a forested area near Oslo, Norway. Specifically, it is part of a long-term art project overseen by the Deichman Library, Oslo’s main public library, where the literary works created for this project will eventually be housed.
What is it?
The Forest of the Future Library is a conceptual art project initiated by Scottish artist Katie Paterson in 2014. The project involves planting a forest of 1,000 trees, which will grow for 100 years. Each year, one author is invited to contribute an unpublished manuscript to the project. These manuscripts will remain unread and locked away until 2114, when the forest will be harvested to produce paper for printing all the collected works.
Key aspects of the project include:
A Growing Forest: The forest, planted specifically for this project, is designed to supply the materials to create the books in a century. It symbolizes the patience and trust required for future generations to carry out the vision.
Manuscripts in Sealed Vaults: The manuscripts are stored in a specially designed room in the Deichman Bjørvika Library in Oslo, where visitors can see the sealed cases but not read the texts.
Selected Authors: Each year, an internationally renowned author contributes to the project. Writers like Margaret Atwood, David Mitchell, and Elif Shafak have already submitted manuscripts, making it an ongoing collaboration between contemporary literature and future possibilities.
The project reflects themes of sustainability, time, and trust in future generations. It invites participants and observers to think beyond the present and consider how our creative and natural resources might interact with the distant future.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and Summer (May to September): These months are ideal for visiting the forest in Nordmarka, as the weather is mild, and the area is lush and green. You can enjoy hiking and exploring the scenic landscape.
Autumn (October): The forest offers beautiful fall foliage, with vibrant colors making it a picturesque experience.
Winter (December to February): For those interested in a winter wonderland, the forest is accessible, but cold weather and snow can make hiking more challenging. Ensure you dress appropriately and plan for shorter daylight hours.
Tips for the Trip
Access to the Forest: The forest in Nordmarka is accessible by hiking trails, and the area is well connected to Oslo by public transportation. You can take a train or bus to a nearby station and walk to the forest.
Visit the Deichman Library: Don’t miss the Deichman Bjørvika Library in Oslo, where you can see the sealed manuscript vault and learn more about the project.
Combine with Other Activities: Nordmarka is a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and biking, so plan for a full day to explore the area.
Sustainability: Respect the natural environment of Nordmarka by following Leave No Trace principles during your visit.
Global Seed Vault
Photo by Frode Ramone https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Svalbard_Global_Seed_Vault_%2823273281972%29.jpg
Where is it?
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, often referred to as the "Doomsday Vault," is located on the remote Arctic island of Spitsbergen, part of the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway. The facility is situated about 1,300 kilometers (810 miles) from the North Pole, near the town of Longyearbyen. The location was chosen for its geological stability, permafrost, and remoteness, making it an ideal environment for long-term preservation.
What is it?
The Global Seed Vault is a secure storage facility designed to preserve the seeds of the world's most important crops. Opened in 2008, it serves as a global backup for gene banks worldwide, safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring the availability of plant species in case of natural disasters, wars, or climate change.
Key features of the Seed Vault include:
Capacity: The vault can store up to 4.5 million seed samples, each containing multiple seeds of a single crop variety. As of now, it holds over 1.1 million seed samples, representing thousands of species from nearly every country.
Permafrost Protection: Built into the side of a mountain, the vault benefits from the natural cooling provided by Arctic permafrost. Even if the power fails, the seeds will remain frozen.
Global Collaboration: The seeds stored in the vault are contributed by countries and institutions worldwide. Each country retains ownership of its seeds, and withdrawals can be made in case of need, as was done by Syria in 2015 during its civil war.
Resilient Design: The facility is designed to withstand earthquakes, rising sea levels, and other potential threats, ensuring the seeds remain viable for centuries.
The project is managed by the Norwegian government, in collaboration with the Crop Trust and the Nordic Genetic Resource Center (NordGen).
Best Time to Visit
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault itself is not open to the general public due to its sensitive nature, but visitors to Longyearbyen can learn about it through local tours and exhibits. The best time to visit the Svalbard archipelago depends on your interests:
Summer (June to August): Experience the Midnight Sun, when the sun doesn’t set, and enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting.
Winter (November to February): Witness the Polar Night and the chance to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Snowmobiling and dog sledding are popular during this time.
March to May: A great time for winter activities with increasing daylight hours.
Tips for the Trip
Learn Locally: Visit the Svalbard Museum in Longyearbyen to explore exhibits on Arctic history, the environment, and the Seed Vault.
Plan for Arctic Conditions: Svalbard has a harsh Arctic climate; dress appropriately and prepare for extreme weather conditions.
Wildlife Awareness: The region is home to polar bears; if venturing outside Longyearbyen, guided tours are recommended for safety.
Explore the Arctic: While in Svalbard, take advantage of other unique experiences like glacier hikes, ice cave tours, and observing Arctic wildlife such as reindeer, arctic foxes, and seals.