In this chapter, we highlight the genetic diversity of taro (Colocasia esculenta), where it can be found, and how it can be used. The taxonomic status of taro, its historical spread to become a global crop, and modern efforts to collect, preserve, and assess living taro collections are all reviewed. The full potential of taro lies in synergies between genetic diversity and, mostly unrecorded, local knowledge of the plant in diverse natural and cultural contexts. Gathering detailed culinary information for taro has not generally accompanied description of collected cultivars, limiting the value of taro collections for research and pre-breeding assessment. The importance of systematic photographic recording of morphological variation in taro is emphasized—a simple, affordable, but widely ignored approach. It is also stressed that small working collections used for active research have an important role alongside the preservation of cultivars in accessible international or regional collections. Integrating ethnobotanical and historical research with plant breeding and plant introduction efforts will help guide the collection, development, and utilization of cultivars with qualities suitable for farmers and consumers in diverse and changing circumstances. The author recommends that support is given by the FAO and related institutions for global networking among collection curators and other stakeholders in taro genetic diversity. Although it may be controversial, a globally supported accreditation system is proposed to overcome barriers created by implementation of the Nagoya Protocol for Access and Benefit Sharing. The aim of this would be to give students, researchers, and institutions a jump-start to establish collaborations, obtain funding, and maintain continuity in research and student-training efforts.