Synopsis:

Could DNA from the blood of indigenous peoples hold the secret of new drugs to treat ravaging human diseases like AIDS or motor neurone disease? Genetic scientists working on the worldwide Human Genome Biodiversity Project believe it is possible, and in the remote rainforests of northern Colombia they are collecting blood from the Ahuaco and Asario Indians to provide DNA for their labs. They aim to gather the genetic blueprint of 700 pure-blooded tribal peoples before they become extinct or lose their unique genetic make-up through intermarriage. But, as Luke Holland's film underlines, there is a dilemma. New drugs can earn massive profits, and, community leaders ask, who will benefit, the Indians, or the wealthy pharmaceutical companies? The question of 'informed consent' is raised, and the indigenous peoples are often persuaded to allow their blood to be taken because visiting doctors offer them one-off treatment which these isolated communities otherwise have little chance of obtaining. Furthermore, these communities are not informed of scientific findings, and patents are taken without the knowledge and consent of local people. It is clear that Holland's own sympathies lie with the rights of the indigenous peoples, but viewers are left to make up their own minds up about the solution to this moral dilemma.