be assessed through a coherent, transparent and independent monitoring and evaluation system. Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of regional water initiatives is critical to the success and sustainability thereof. The monitoring system should focus particularly on the implementation of the corresponding strategy of this Regional Water Policy. Specifically, attention should focus on meeting SADC Water Sector targets specified in the Regional Indicative Strategic Plan RISDP, which at the same time embrace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), as well as the recommendations of the WSSD. In particular, the value of such a monitoring system lies in the strategic direction, comparative lessons and potential refocusing that evaluation and review provides. As adjunct, it increases the credibility of SADC Water Sector activities thus garnering and/or enhancing support from Member States and Cooperating Partners. A regional water sector monitoring and evaluation system should be coordinated by the SADC Secretariat to ensure regional consistency, but would be implemented at a number of levels, including regionally, in shared watercourses (through SWCIs where established), by Member States, and for individual projects (as part of the Water Sector Implementation Plan). It would be appropriate to link this system with other sectors within SADC to ensure a coherent monitoring and evaluation strategy and system. - 49 -