The exchange of data and information on water resources would also enhance confidence building and cooperation among Member States. 7.2.2. Policy: Member States shall ensure that the public in the region have access to relevant and understandable water resources information impacting on their health, safety and economic interests. For all stakeholders to be able to participate effectively in water resources management, they need access to information so that they may be better informed about choices they have to make or inputs required of them in participating in the SADC regional integration, development and poverty reduction. They also require access to information on emergencies such as floods, droughts and pollution incidents. 7.2.3 Policy: SADC Secretariat, SWCIs as well as Member States shall establish mechanisms for regular interpretation and dissemination of essential information on water resources so that the public is regularly informed. Regular flow of information, for example, flood data during periods of high flows, would enable the public to be better informed and participate in water resources management. Readily available information builds confidence especially among the poor who do not, usually, have the means or the know how to obtain such information through official channels. 7.3 Water Resources Assessment 7.3.1 Policy: Member States shall adopt common or compatible procedures and methodologies for carrying out regular water resources assessment at regional, shared watercourse and national levels. In order to provide a common base for sharing information on water availability or the status of the water resource in relation to planned utilisation, Member States shall agree and adopt common methods for evaluating water resources. From an IWRM perspective, water resources assessment incorporates crosssectoral issues including assessing demand for water between competing uses, environmental assessment (environmental implications of various development activities) and social assessment (how the proposed development activity might affect social and institutional structures). - 36 -