It is a story as old as civilization itself. About 8000 years ago the people living in the Lake Titicaca region of Peru and Bolivia domesticated a plant that today has become the third most important food crop in the world. The potato has changed the history of the human race, and we have only unlocked a small part of its potential. Potatoes have fed us in times of war and famine, helped populations recover after natural disasters and even played a major role in the Industrial Revolution.
There are 4,235 identified varieties of native potato, developed and nurtured by the people of the Andes, and protected by the scientists of the International Potato Center. These native potato varieties possess different characteristics that hold answers to the global challenges we face – from food security to climate change. They are part of humankind’s insurance policy for the future.
That is why the Roots for Life Foundation – in celebration of the United Nations International Year of Biodiversity – is launching this fund-raising campaign. Their aim is to secure this extraordinary potato biodiversity for future generations. At the center of the campaign is a website where potential donors can experience the importance of the potato – past, present and future – along with information about how you can become a Hero for Life.
Visit the website and become a Hero:
www.rootsforlife.org
Each Hero is asked to contribute $US 5,000 to ensure the survival of one native potato variety, forever. It will take US $21,175,000 to guarantee all 4,235 potato varieties for future generations. That is less than the cost of French fries sold every 24 hours in the United States alone!
The campaign begins on 1 October 2010 – during the International Year of Biodiversity – and aims to celebrate the “Heroes” at a special ceremony held on 15 February 2011 in Svalbard, Norway – home of the Global Seed Vault.
For more information please contact the Roots for Life Foundation, at:
Address: 30 East Plato Boulevard St. Paul, MN 55107 USA
Telephone: +1 612 604 4270
Email: contact@rootsforlife.org
Website: www.rootsforlife.org