Awareness and Communication Strategy Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ………………..………………….……….………..……………...... i CHAPTER 1. 1.1 1.2 1.2.1 1.2.2 1.3 1.3.1 1.3.2 1.3.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................... 3 HOW TO USE THE STRATEGY................................................................................................................. 3 BACKGROUND ...................................................................................................................................... 3 Awareness Creation in the SADC Water Sector ............................................................................. 3 SADC Information and Communication Sector Policies and Programmes .................................... 4 SADC WATER SECTOR COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES ................................... 4 Understanding the SADC Institutions ............................................................................................. 4 Understanding Regional Water Issues............................................................................................ 4 Recommendations from the Mid-term Review of the RSAP ............................................................ 5 STRATEGY FORMULATION PROCESS..................................................................................................... 5 THE PURPOSE OF THE AWARENESS AND COMMUNICATION STRATEGY ................................................ 6 THE GOAL AND STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES .............................................................................................. 6 THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES .................................................................................................................... 7 THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OF THE COMMUNICATION STRATEGY ............................................... 8 CHAPTER 2. THE IWRM APPROACH .................................................................................................... 10 2.1 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................................................... 10 2.2 KEY MESSAGE AREAS ........................................................................................................................ 10 2.2.1 The IWRM Definition and Concept............................................................................................... 10 2.2.2 The IWRM Brand .......................................................................................................................... 11 2.2.3 Water is a Finite and Vulnerable Resource .................................................................................. 13 2.2.4 Stakeholder Participation in Water Resources Development and Management .......................... 13 2.2.5 The Recognition of the Role of Women in Water .......................................................................... 14 2.2.6 Economic and Social Value of Water ........................................................................................... 14 2.2.7 The Benefits of IWRM to Other Sectors ........................................................................................ 15 2.2.8 IWRM and Water Efficiency Plans ............................................................................................... 15 CHAPTER 3. INSTRUMENTS FOR REGIONAL COOPERATION ON WATER .............................. 17 3.1 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................................................... 17 3.2 KEY MESSAGE AREAS ........................................................................................................................ 17 3.2.1 Institutional Framework for Cooperation..................................................................................... 17 3.2.2 Policy and Legal Instruments for Cooperation ............................................................................. 18 3.2.3 Regional Water Programme: Cluster of projects ......................................................................... 19 3.2.4 Regional Water Programme: Achievements ................................................................................. 19 CHAPTER 4. CLIMATE CHANGE, VARIABILITY AND WATER-RELATED DISASTERS .......... 21 4.1 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................................................... 21 4.2 KEY MESSAGE AREAS ........................................................................................................................ 21 4.2.1 International and Regional Conventions and Protocols ............................................................... 21 4.2.2 Hydro-meteorological Predictions and Scenarios ........................................................................ 22 4.2.3 Impacts Specific to the SADC region and/or Watercourses ......................................................... 22 4.2.4 Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies for the Region ................................................................... 23 4.2.5 Floods and Droughts .................................................................................................................... 23 CHAPTER 5. WATER SUPPLY, SANITATION AND HYGIENE.......................................................... 25 5.1 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................................................... 25 5.2 KEY MESSAGE AREAS ........................................................................................................................ 25 5.2.1 Legal and Regulatory Issues ......................................................................................................... 25 5.2.2 Importance of an Integrated Approach to Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene....................... 26 5.2.3 Ensuring Sustainability of Water Supply Schemes........................................................................ 26 5.2.4 Provision of Services to Poor Communities ................................................................................. 27 Page iv