We’re seeing more and more products containing a “new,” natural sweetener, Stevia. Companies–especially Coca Cola–are reaping billions of dollars because of it. But they didn’t invent it. It occurs in nature; in Paraguay and Brazil, the Guarani people discovered it and have been using it for generations. Coca Cola uses the plants but doesn’t pay those indigenous people for their knowledge–in violation of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
These groups of people live in poverty, a life-situation that stevia could alleviate if Coca Cola at least shared the profits that legally and morally belong to the people. According to international law, the traditional knowledge and use of stevia belongs to them. That makes what Coca Cola is doing simple theft.
Watch this short video to get a picture of the situation. Then read Public Eye’s “Stivia” for more details.