#social science

Policy and regulatory aspects of water banking in the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia and California, USA

This project investigates the policies and rules that influence the ability and motivations to store river water in underground aquifers for use during drought. The expected outcome is information that can be used to design policies and regulations that allow greater uptake of water banking techniques. These practices can provide cost effective water supplies during drought conditions for Murray-Darling Basin communities, irrigators, First Nations peoples, and the environment.

Enhancing sustainable land management practices through natural capital profiles

This project addresses knowledge gaps in environmental sustainability and social marketing, focusing on river health and sustainable land management practices via co-creation and adoption of Natural Capital Profiles. The expected outcome is to extend existing frameworks in social marketing, with a particular emphasis on the Co-Create – Build – Engage (CBE) process, to design more user-friendly behaviour change solutions for improved river health and land management practices. The project will potentially increase the adoption of Natural Capital Profiles by landholders, enabling healthier river ecosystems and better land management.

Every drop counts: ensuring water security in a changing climate in southwest Australia

This project investigates the impacts of climate change and land use change on water availability and quality in Southwest Australia. The expected outcome is to develop and assess management strategies to increase water yield and reduce sedimentation and evaporation losses. The project will support long-term water security for local communities and ecosystems.