How the social construction of the environment affects peoples' reactions to water policy

This paper explores the differences between non-government stakeholders and government officials' view of the environment and how these differences shape their reactions to water management policy. Recent conflicts evident in the water reform process can be understood in light of people's relationship to the environment. Scientists and government officials tend to see the environment as the passive recipient of human impact, while landholders see themselves as active agents within the environment. These relationships influence reactions to water policy. Understanding the government and landholder perspectives is essential in order to address and overcome present and future conflicts over water.