9.2.3. Policy: The development of SWCI may be phased to enable gradual development of the cooperative arrangements and necessary institutional capacity requirements. A phased approach to the development of SWCIs enables The role of Shared Watercourse Institutions gradual creation of appropriate include: o Facilitate cooperative decision making about the capacity to perform functions in integrated management of shared watercourses line with institutional growth, o Formulating integrated water resources management strategies and basin plans outlining incremental gains in the the development, conservation and protection of institutional effectiveness and shared watercourses commensurate enhancement of o Developing a monitoring and information policy the mutual understanding and for the shared watercourse and coordinating its implementation. trust of the Watercourse States. o Promoting the equitable utilisation of shared In this context, the development watercourses and implementation of joint o Ensuring the coordinated management and monitoring policies and response to water related disasters in shared management strategies provides watercourses a fundamental starting point for o Monitoring the execution of integrated water resource development and management plans in these commissions. It is shared watercourse systems incumbent upon the respective watercourse States to ensure the viability of the SWCI. 9.2.4. Policy: SWCIs must efficiently and effectively fulfil the institution’s responsibilities, whilst considering sustainability. The ownership and sustainability of SWCIs is the responsibility of the represented watercourse States. The watercourse States must ensure continuity and availability of resources to perform the functions and activities required by the founding agreement and to follow up on decisions made by the SWCI. The SWCI may execute its functions through a permanent dedicated secretariat, seconded officials of the Member States‟ Departments of Water, or may revolve between the Member States‟ delegations. 9.2.5. Policy: Watercourse States are encouraged to jointly plan the development of water resources through an SWCI and to undertake the development and operation of joint water resources infrastructure on behalf of two or more countries for mutual benefit through Water Authorities or Boards. Water Authorities or Boards could be established by Member States to undertake joint development and operation of water resources infrastructure, as well as any ancillary functions agreed upon between the parties. There may be multiple Authorities on a shared watercourse. 9.2.6. Policy: Policy and strategy level decision making within SWCIs should be through consensus between watercourse States. Each participating watercourse State must be represented by a delegation to the SWCI. Where the SWCI has an executive arm, the SWCI sets policy and - 46 -