Species extinction and gene erosion are still widespread in spite of numerous national and international efforts and conventions. It is now clear that only through symbiotic partnerships between local communities and civil society organizations, industrial enterprises, and government and academic institutions that we can implement effectively the triple goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity, namely conservation, sustainable use and equitable sharing of benefits. This paper describes the approach adopted by the author and his colleagues in India to promote a community-led integrated gene management system.