REGIONAL INDIC ATIVE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PL AN 8 3 CHAPTER 6 Implementation and co-ordination Implementation and co-ordination mechanisms mechanisms 6.1 INTRODUCTION environment within which the RISDP will be implemented The successful implementation of the RISDP is to a large may change continuously. In some cases, RISDP extent predicated on the capacity that exists at both interventions may be overtaken by events due to national and regional levels. Key capacity constraints initiatives that Member States and/or Cooperating relate to human resources, financial constraints and an Partners may have undertaken. In other cases, new or appropriate institutional framework. This chapter sets out unforeseen circumstances may come to the fore. some broad principles for the institutional mechanisms Maintaining the RISDP focus, while allowing for flexibility required for the successful implementation of the RISDP. and adaptability, poses a key challenge. The RISDP needs Issues relating to financing and sustainability have been to be seen as a "living" document that should be updated covered in the previous chapter, while those relating to on a regular basis to keep it in line with prevailing reality. It is important to underscore the fact that the human resources capacity have been addressed in the It is also important to reiterate that the RISDP is, in a context of each intervention area through strategies sense, a strategic framework pointing the general described in Chapter 4. direction the Region would like to move. Concrete time Other fundamental factors necessary for the effective bound and costed activities/programmes/projects will be implementation of the RISDP include: developed and clearly spelt out in implementation/action • The acceptance, trust and real commitment of plans for each project/programme. This will be done Member States to give importance and back-up to the immediately after the appropriate SADC authorities have proposed interventions. approved the broad strategic framework. • A common understanding and acceptance of the fundamental roles to be played by the line function responsibility structures. • A long-term partnership between SADC and 6.2 PRINCIPLES FOR RISDP IMPLEMENTATION Cooperating Partners and regular policy dialogue and The implementation of the RISDP will be guided by the consensus building on issues that are critical to the following principles that have emerged through SADC socio-economic development prospects and to policy directives and/or experience with the implemen- poverty eradication. tation of the SADC Programme of Action: