International Trade) which control and manage the importation and use of pollutants. SADC institutional structures should work within these agreements and with national focal points to strengthen the efforts to prevent the region becoming a dumping ground for pollutants from outside the region. 5.2.4. Policy: Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) should be a mandatory requirement for development initiatives in the watercourses, and Member States are encouraged to undertake Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) where feasible. Member States are actively promoting investment for employment creation and poverty reduction. There is a potential for such development to compromise water quality, the environment in general and social integrity. There is a need for SADC to set minimum common environmental compliance standards to be met prior to authorisation of development initiatives. In some cases project developers prepare and commission EIAs. However, there is a need for EIAs to be carried out by independent institutions/agencies. The EIAs, usually project oriented, should be broadened to encompass Strategic Environmental Assessments, which are more useful and focussed on assessing options and planning decisions. More importantly, however, SADC should ensure that the EIAs are adequately implemented and monitored. 5.3 Alien Invasive Species 5.3.1. Policy: Member States are individually and collectively responsible for the control of alien invasive species with the ultimate aim of total eradication of those which are non-economical. The sustainability of water resources in the region is threatened by alien invasive species in the region. These have and continue to colonise catchments and water bodies, posing a key challenge to water resources development and management. While some species may find economic use, all alien invasive species should be controlled. Member States need to cooperate in the control of alien invasive species with the ultimate goal of total eradication of those which are non-economical since, like water, they are transboundary. There is an urgent need to develop a SADC wide strategy for controlling and managing alien invasive species. - 32 -