(iv) Water resources allocation and utilisation will be based on equitable and reasonable mechanisms through negotiations between watercourse States. (v) Member States will ensure that major water uses in watercourses, particularly in shared watercourses will be regulated through authorisations such as a system of permits. Integrated Planning (i) Planning, development and management of water resources in the region should be based on the principles of IWRM and shall take full cognisance of the cross-cutting nature of water. (ii) Watercourse States shall promote joint planning and implementation of water resources developments within their shared watercourse and transparently notify and/ or engage other Watercourse States in a dialogue, where such States are not proponents of the project. Water Demand Management (i) When planning the development of water infrastructure and services, Member States or river basin organisations shall aim to utilise existing capacities more efficiently as part of the process of augmenting water supply. (ii) Water Demand Management (WDM) will be pursued by Member States as a fundamental requirement for integrated planning and management of water resources, particularly in shared watercourses. Alternative Sources of Water Member States will promote rainwater harvesting and alternative sources of water such as desalination, reuse of water, recycling and reclamation. Relevant research in this regard should be promoted as and where appropriate. Dam Development and Management (i) Integrated planning, development and management of dams will be promoted so as to optimise the use of the water resources, maximise derived benefits (such as hydropower, tourism, flood control, irrigation, water supply) and take both positive and negative externalities into account. (ii) SADC shall encourage the participation of all stakeholders in decisionmaking processes for dam development and, where appropriate, with adequate facilitation and empowerment of vulnerable groups to ensure their effective involvement in decision-making. (iii) Watercourse States will negotiate on operating rules for dams on shared watercourses so as to optimise the socio-economic and environmental benefits in an equitable manner. Affected Communities (i) Watercourse States shall promote the development and implementation of water infrastructure projects through a participatory process, especially of affected communities. - xiv -