Table 1. Ability of proponents of particular values to influence changes in rules and investments to favor their interests. Value Political influence of proponents Consequences for rules and investment Marketed irrigation use values Generally very strong because of lobbying power of sectors and voting power of employees and associated social networks, but varies across sectors. Very strong property rights and secure access to water resources and infrastructure Non-marketed use values Strong for recreation because of number of voters enjoying recreation. Indigenous groups lobby separately to secure control over traditional lands, so far without significant gains. Public provision of parks and reserves, with secure formal allocation of water, but it is probably inadequate to maintain the ecological processes that generate these values, and it is subordinate to irrigation allocations in times of drought. Intrinsic values Strong because of lobbying power of non-governmental conservation organizations, and power of urban votes. Lobbying by Indigenous groups is also aimed at maintaining intrinsic values. Bequest values Negligible because beneficiaries are under age or unborn. As above, with additional protection from heritage laws and regulations. Option values Negligible because no current use. No explicit protection now.