The national agricultural research organization (Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, INIAP) together with universities and association representing farmers and indigenous peoples established the Centers for Bio-knowledge and Agricultural Development (CBDAs). The CBDAs are aimed at:  investigating the agrobiodiversity richness in the area in a participatory manner;  contributing to the management and conservation of native seeds and propagating materials;  multiplying seeds of diverse origin (including ‘formal’ and peasant seed) to contribute to food security and climate-change adaptation; and  capacity and awareness development for farmers and society in general on conservation, management and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity. Between 2003 and 2016, five CBDAs were established, providing a physical space in which activities can take place. Key results include suitable varieties of potatoes, corn, beans, cacao, coffee, peanuts, and cassava in their agroecological conditions; seed production of native species and varieties, and re-introduction of these native crops to farmers’ fields. The main lesson learned is that the CBDA must have a management plan that allows sustainability; legal commitment of the State to finance CBDA’ activities is also important, as is the case of Ecuador, which enforces the Law for Agrobiodiversity, Seeds and Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture.