Understanding community values can improve communication and ownership of decisions about the management natural resources. However, extent that predict environmental behaviour is less certain. Most research has focused on held values, those towards environment in general. In contrast, assigned relate to specific places, we hypothesise they may be a better predictor behaviour. Drawing existing theory our case study findings, developed conceptual model factors influence role shaping This...

Abstract: Adaptive management is often proposed as the most effective way to manage complex watersheds. However, our experience suggests that social and institutional factors constrain search for, integration of, genuine learning defines adaptive management. Drawing on work scientists, a guided panel discussion at recent AWRA conference, we suggest watershed‐scale must be recognized radical departure from established ways of managing natural resources if it achieve its promise. Successful...

There has been considerable academic interest in the adoption of sustainable resource management practices from a behavioural perspective, particularly relation to activities community-based natural (NRM) groups such as Landcare. Community are said be generating new forms social capital via their networks relationships between individuals and groups. These connections facilitate learning build community capacity address environmental problems but perhaps because focus on networks, norms...

Integrated water resource management (IWRM) is a response to current acknowledgement of the complexity and wickedness management. IWRM aims enable appropriate responses via multi-party participation. Adaptive management—purposeful learning for improved action—is useful tool integrating It provides framework participatory processes social contribute changed policies practices. However, institutional constraints on moving adaptive (and hence IWRM) are many deeply entrenched. The paper explores...

‘Soil health’ programs and projects in Australia’s agricultural districts are designed to influence farmers’ management behaviours, usually produce better outcomes for production, conservation, sustainability. These examine soil practices from a science perspective, but how soils understood by farmers, that understanding informs their farm decisions, is poorly documented. The research presented this paper sought understand dryland farmers the Billabong catchment of southern New South Wales...

Case studies of successful adaptive management generally focus on examples that have frameworks for embedded from project conception. In contrast, this paper outlines an example emergent management. We describe approach whereby targeted research and collaboration among stakeholders assisted learning, ultimately the development interim operational guidelines increased within-channel flow variability in highly regulated Mitta River, which is managed as part River Murray System Murray–Darling...

The sustainable development of agricultural systems is currently challenged by many complex agro-environmental issues. These are characterized an incomplete understanding the situation and problems that arise, conflicting opinions result, issues over boundaries often difficult to define, controversy multiple goals uncertain outcomes. Added these characteristics, we also have slow inadequate uptake implementation research outcomes in this complex, real world. In order improve sustainability...

Action for adaptation is needed in the face of anthropogenic climate change. The record field freshwater governance poor to date, as it apparently constrained by operational frameworks. Analyses based on Contemporary Theory Metaphor can reveal underlying, often institutionally reified, We present a desktop metaphor mapping study one UK and Australian water management planning document. This demonstrates potential analysis, with further methodological praxis development, support new ways...

In the following pages I reflect on nature of natural resource management by exploring some metaphors used during planning, implementing, and reflecting two watershed projects. Metaphors are to understand one idea through another, their use in everyday dialogue can provide a means conceptual frameworks that underpin behaviours. Within case studies presented here, was conceptualized variously as journeying, revealing picture, treating illness. Understanding world each these appears have...

Abstract Some form of adaptive management is needed to address complex, uncertain and wicked natural resource situations. Adaptive dependent on learning, in particular social learning. We reflect some practical constraints learning by reference a recent local scale project south‐eastern Australia. The ‘Meeting the Middle’ aimed facilitate development sharing knowledge about soil health among farmers, advisors scientists. was successful when measured against traditional extension criteria,...