THE ANIMALS OF SVALBARD: A TREASURE TO PROTECT

There are places on Earth where the beauty of nature is expressed in a unique way through breathtaking landscapes and exceptional wildlife; beauty threatened by climate change due to global warming. One of these places is the Svalbard Islands, more precisely the northernmost inhabited part of the world, characterized by a harsh climate that allows the survival of some of the rarest animal species nature possesses.

THE FLORA AND FAUNA OF THE ICE LAND

Located at the 78th parallel, the Svalbard Islands are covered by 60% of ice, which at these latitudes takes the form of permafrost. This is the reason for the total absence of trees, which make way for mosses and lichens, the only flora able to survive in such types of terrain because they are more resistant to low temperatures. As for fauna, the most important element is certainly the polar bear, which lives by preying on seals (the most common species being the Ringed Seal and the Bearded Seal). The reindeer is present but only in the dwarf form, while the musk ox has been successfully reintroduced after years along with Arctic foxes. Birds, on the other hand, abound on the coasts, comprising 109 different species of birds.

THE TREASURE OF THE WORLD IS IN DANGER

Climate change due to pollution is altering the climate, and this puts both the flora and fauna of this pristine place at risk. The most at-risk animal is certainly the polar bear; while we currently count about 3000 specimens, it is estimated that by 2050 two-thirds will be extinct.

Not only the animals of Svalbard need protection, but these lands also host the "bank of our future," the Global Seed Vault, which does not contain precious stones or material goods, but thousands of species of seeds from all over the world, aimed at ensuring the survival of the human race.

Safeguarding our planet is important, and each of us can contribute in small daily gestures such as choosing eco-friendly products. Svalbard Islands is always searching for new fabrics and plant-based fillings with zero impact because our planet and what it offers us are invaluable and must be protected at all costs.