In this talk Jo will talk about current collaborative research being undertaken with Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation across the Dampier Archipelago (Murujuga) which exemplifies the themes of this conference. This extraordinary cultural landscape, managed by Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, sits on the Pilbara coast. While being recognised as one of Australia’s most significant heritage estates, it is also geographically located at a place of massive economic importance to Australia: the Woodside LNG plant, the Pilbara railhead for RioTinto’s iron ore and salt exports, and at one of the world’s largest bulk-export ports. This talk will focus on the balancing act required by Murujuga’s indigenous owners to achieve sustainable coexistence – and how our research collaboration demonstrates scientific values alongside ongoing cultural values that are deployed in the managing of this cultural landscape. The talk highlights the national and global significance of Western Australia’s rock art and explains why research collaborations like this will lead to enhanced protection of our important heritage places