The task of generating a reference genome from scratch is an entirely different matter; for instance, the original human genome project took 10 years and cost $ 4 billion. (sciencedaily.com)
See for example: The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief - Francis Collins (head of human genome project) (religion.blogs.cnn.com)
Despite the tremendous growth in global collaborative efforts such as Human Genome Project and Human Frontier Science Program during past few decades, only about 30 % of research output from the United States is internationally collaborative (Global Scientific Collaboration in the 21st Century, 2011, The Royal Society). (science.sciencemag.org)