This process requires the building of trust between the Watercourse States, which may necessitate the participation of an independent neutral process facilitator, particularly at the early stages of the process. This facilitator should explore opportunities to create consensus between different positions, rather than to develop solutions. 3.2.3. Policy: Member States shall endeavour to promote and exploit opportunities for joint water resources developments in shared watercourses to consolidate regional cooperation. The development of shared watercourses provides an opportunity to foster regional economic integration and cooperation through IWRM, and should be promoted where possible and whenever appropriate. 3.3 Water and Inter-Sectoral Cooperation 3.3.1. Policy: The SADC Secretariat, Member States and Watercourse Institutions shall ensure the collaboration of all affected sectors in the management of water resources to achieve the goals of regional integration, development, equity, poverty eradication and sustainability. The SADC Water Sector recognises the role of water as a source of life and its use for a variety of purposes including agriculture, hydro-electric power generation, domestic and industrial requirements, maintenance of public health, tourism and recreation, as well as the maintenance of ecosystems. In addressing the SADC strategic priorities the Regional Water Policy and Strategy must align with those other sector policies and strategies targeted at industrialisation, developing agriculture, the promotion of economic and social infrastructure, the environment and poverty eradication. The other sectors that link to water have common themes which have resonance with IWRM, such as Integrated Planning, Holistic Approaches and Sustainable Development. This inter-sectoral cooperation must happen at the SADC level in terms of SADC Regional Policy and Strategy alignment. Cooperation is, as well, required within Shared Watercourses facilitated by SWCIs in ensuring appropriate allocation between sectors and Watercourse States dependent upon the water resources. This process needs to consider issues of sustainability, allocative efficiency, economic development and food security, all of which have implications for national and regional economic development, integration, employment and trade. 3.4 Harmonisation of National Policy and Legislation 3.4.1. Policy: Member States shall promote the harmonisation of their water policies and legislation with the regional water policy. The alignment of national water policies and strategies is also a prerequisite for effective IWRM within shared watercourses The harmonisation of national policies and strategies is a cornerstone of the SADC goal of regional integration and development.. - 19 -