The diversity of the plant kingdom on the planet is strongly threatened by monocultures. Even though this diversity is very important to secure a good adaptation to our changing environmental circumstances and to solve future problems such as nutrition”, says the Ethiopian Melaku Worede. To secure the by drought and modern technologies endangered genetic diversity of Ethiopia, the Plant Genetic Resources Centre in Addis Abeba was established. Within a few years Melaku Worede put together a seed bank consisting of more than ten thousand different plants. Farmers can use these resources and sow adequate species to ensure harvest even in times of drought.

The organization works in rural regions and supports the local farmers. Melaku Woredes co-workers are all from Ethiopia and with their help he trains a new generation of geneticists and plant breeders who then support the farmers with their knowledge. From this initiative, in collaboration with a Canadian environmental protection organization the “Seeds of Survival” Program arose. It combines the local, traditional knowledge with western science and technologies. Most projects are implemented on small farms.  Apart from that seed exchange programs are initiated, networks are formed, training programs for framers are organised and gen-pools established.

Melaku Worede and the Seeds of Survival received the Right  Livelihood Award in 2000, “for an innovative project to fight famine in preserving Ethiopia's genetic wealth and traditional wisdom by building one of the finest seed conservation centres in the world, for the benefit of all humanity”. Seeds of Survival works on an international level.