Maria Astolfi, a graduate student at UC Berkeley, is on a mission to highlight the importance of Indigenous knowledge in the biotech industry. As a descendant of an Indigenous Amazonian tribe, she is deeply aware of the cultural significance of medicinal plants. Her research involves a plant extract that has been used for generations, and she questions how biotech companies leverage this knowledge without giving back.
Astolfi advocates for a fair exchange between traditional knowledge holders and biotech firms. She believes that respecting and valuing Indigenous contributions can lead to more ethical practices in drug discovery. By ensuring that these communities benefit from the research, the industry can foster a more sustainable relationship with the environment and its guardians.
