Internationally, and within Australia, Indigenous land management activities are being implemented to achieve both biodiversity conservation and livelihood outcomes. There has been little research on effective strategies to realise these dual goals in desert Australia. Based on a case study of Warlpiri people, this research explores the structures and processes required for land management activities to generate both livelihood and biodiversity outcomes. It highlights the importance of cross-cultural relationships and real collaboration, and outlines capacity building and training requirements.