Social Dimensions of Managing Water Resources
Like other resource use, water use is a human activity that takes place in a social context, and serves both individual and social needs. Social science has much to contribute to understanding who uses water and for what purposes, how use patterns can be modified, and how new innovations or efficiencies in using water can be promoted and their adoption encouraged. Social science can also contribute to encouraging community co-management approaches to managing water resources and provide support to policy initiatives aiming to improve water management.
The Bureau of Rural Sciences, through the Integrated Water Sciences and Social Sciences Programs, is addressing these issues to assist the Department Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, Natural Resource Management Division, the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality and Natural Heritage Trust programs, and other Australian Government agencies with responsibilities for water. In doing this, it is working in collaboration with relevant State Government agencies, catchment management organisations around Australia, and other scientists with expertise in the social dimensions of water resources.
Projects 2006/07
Social and environmental history to support salinity mapping
Contact
Heather Aslin
Switchboard: +61 2 6272 3933
Water Sciences