Understanding community values can improve communication and ownership of decisions about the management of natural resources. However, the extent that values predict environmental behaviour is less certain. Most research has focused on held values, those values towards the environment in general. In contrast, assigned values relate to specific natural places, and we hypothesise that they may be a better predictor of behaviour. Drawing on existing theory and our case study findings, we developed a conceptual model of factors that influence assigned values and of the role of assigned values in shaping environmental behaviour. This model builds on the widely accepted value-belief-norm theory with additional components addressing asset characteristics, socialisation processes and externally-imposed factors. An understanding of community-assigned values is likely to assist decision-making by regional natural resource management bodies as they move towards a more targeted approach to the investment of public funds and a focus on the most highly valued environmental assets.

The failure of conventional approaches to achieve equitable and sustainable water management has prompted a new way of perceiving and acting with water. This is creating a ‘new water paradigm’ that emphasizes broader stakeholder involvement; integration of sectors, issues and disciplines; attention to the human dimensions of management; and wider recognition of the economic, ecological and cultural values of water. This article reviews three approaches arising within the new water paradigm: integrated water resources management; ecosystem-based approaches; and adaptive management. The article concludes that the strengths of each approach address different moral and ecological challenges. Combining these strengths, while minimizing tensions, may contribute to more effective water management in the Anthropocene.