The seeds of future settler colonialism (i.e., for those who are too distracted to look at apocalyptic thinking, if the apocalypse comes, what comes after will be settler colonial): Annukka Paajanen, ‘Reconciliation or re-colonization? Critical perspectives on seed banking and colonialism’, Settler Colonial Studies, 2026 | settler colonial studies blog

The seeds of future settler colonialism (i.e., for those who are too distracted to look at apocalyptic thinking, if the apocalypse comes, what comes after will be settler colonial): Annukka Paajanen, ‘Reconciliation or re-colonization? Critical perspectives on seed banking and colonialism’, Settler Colonial Studies, 2026

28Apr26

Abstract: Major actors within the United Nations and academia have suggested that the Svalbard Global Seed Vault (SGSV), a ‘backup’ facility for the world’s crop diversity, could facilitate reconciliation between Indigenous and ex situ conservation approaches. This paper examines the collaboration between the SGSV and their Indigenous depositor, Parque de la Papa (Parque), to assess this proposition. Although the SGSV promises to ‘secure’ crop diversity ‘for the benefit of everyone’, work in decolonial and Indigenous studies has shown that neoliberal capitalist and colonial structures underpin and hinder reconciliation and conservation efforts. By critically analyzing literature from various fields and content from institutional websites, I demonstrate how the SGSV’s methods, while intended to safeguard crop diversity, may inadvertently perpetuate colonial dynamics by integrating Indigenous seeds into a system that prioritizes Western/settler colonial, neoliberal capitalist values. Reading the two conservation approaches vis-à-vis, I highlight the asymmetrical exchange that the Parque must navigate to preserve Indigenous knowledge and resources amid climate change challenges in the Andean highlands. Based on the analysis, I assert that despite the collaboration’s benefits, it risks transforming Indigenous communities along Western lines, potentially undermining biodiversity. Understanding these challenges is crucial for improving biodiversity protection and supporting the communities involved.

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