1. 1.1 POLICY CONTEXT Water, the Engine of Regional Growth 1.1.1 Water in the SADC region is potentially the engine of regional economic and social development. The goal of SADC - “the attainment of an integrated regional economy on the basis of balance, equity and mutual benefit for all Member States”, with three key SADC objectives – poverty reduction, food security, and industrial development – can best be achieved through development and management of the water resources of the SADC region. Increased food production through better management of rain-fed and irrigated agriculture, aquaculture, and livestock production; improving access and availability of cheap energy through hydropower; increasing access to sustainable water supplies for domestic and industrial requirements, and for sanitation and waste management, all will require the development and effective management of the region‟s water resources. In addition, there will be a demand for water to sustain biodiversity and natural ecosystems, including wetlands, which are the basis for rural livelihoods and for tourism. The SADC region will also need to manage its water resources to provide improved security from severe floods and droughts. Ultimately, the SADC region‟s water resources will have to be developed and managed in an integrated and sustainable manner for the region to achieve the African Water Vision as well as the Millennium Development Goals with respect to access to water supply and sanitation, and food production and energy, 1.1.2 Coordinated and sustainable integrated development and management of water resources in the SADC region is important for regional peace and integration. Water is a shared resource in the region. Thus the coordinated sustainable development, utilization, protection and control of national and transboundary water resources in the SADC region is not only important for promoting socio-economic development but would also contribute towards regional integration, peace and security. SADC therefore intends to use water as an instrument for promoting peace and cooperation among Member States. 1.2 Policy Principles 1.2.1 The principles followed in the regional water policy presented in this document are based on: Box 1. Water Vision Statements   Equitable and Sustainable Social and Economic Development in The SADC Declaration and Treaty Southern Africa (Declaration by the Heads of State or Government of Southern African States  Equitable Access to Water of an Acceptable Quantity and Quality “Towards the Southern African Development  Proper Sanitation for All and Safe Community”, adopted in Windhoek, Namibia, Waste Disposal on 17 August 1992; and the Treaty of the Southern African Development Community,  Food Security for all Households which entered into force on 30 September  Energy Security for All Households  A Sustainable Environment 1993), which in the original declaration calls  Security from Natural Disasters upon all countries and people of Southern  Integrated Water Resources Africa to develop a vision of a shared future, a Development and Management future within a regional community that will ensure economic well-being, improvement of the standards of living and quality of life, freedom and social justice and peace and security for the peoples of Southern Africa. The common vision of SADC is further -2-