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Abstract
Appropriate management and policy responses for dryland salinity vary depending on biophysical
and socio-economic conditions, and on the resources in question (water resources,
biodiversity, infrastructure, agricultural land, salt-affected land). In this paper we present a framework
for selecting responses consistent with economic and scientific evidence. Current policies rely heavily
on communication, education and payment of incentives, but a broader range of responses is needed,
including engineering works for key infrastructure, selective use of regulation/permits to limit planting
of perennials in certain areas of high-water-yielding catchments, and development of improved
salinity management technologies for farmers. We are over-relying on incentives and communication,
which are only likely to be cost-effective in certain situations.