A new Indigenous Protected Area spanning more than 1.9 million hectares in Western Australia's Great Sandy Desert has been officially dedicated, expanding Australia's National Reserve System and strengthening First Nations-led conservation across the region.

The Ngurra Kayanta Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) — home to threatened species, including the greater bilby, night parrot, princess parrot and red goshawk — was formally dedicated during a celebration at Jalyirr (Lady Edith Lagoon) near Balgo in the southeastern Kimberley.

Management of the IPA will include programs targeting invasive animals such as feral cats and camels, weed control for species including buffel grass, and ongoing ecological surveying and monitoring to guide conservation efforts.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, said the formal dedication recognised years of work by Traditional Owners and Indigenous Rangers.

"The long-awaited official dedication of the Ngurra Kayanta Indigenous Protected Area strengthens long-standing efforts by Traditional Owners and Ngurra Kayanta Indigenous Rangers to protect the region's biodiversity," she said.

"I congratulate the Traditional Owners and community on this dedication."

The Ngurra Kayanta Aboriginal Corporation will continue working alongside Traditional Owners and partner organisations to manage the reserve.

The new IPA also links with the Martu, Kiwirrkurra, Ngururrpa, Paruku and Warlu Jilajaa Jumu Indigenous Protected Areas, creating a connected conservation network across the Great Sandy Desert.

Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, said the dedication would deliver environmental and community benefits while contributing to the Federal Government's national conservation targets.

"Congratulations to the Traditional Owners and all those involved for the dedication of the Ngurra Kayanta IPA, adding to the Indigenous Protected Areas estate and Australia's National Reserve System," he said.

"This IPA in the Great Sandy Desert will help to create employment and deliver lasting social and economic benefits for the community."