(ii) Member States are encouraged to decentralise the management of water and the associated authority to the lowest appropriate level, while maintaining appropriate institutional arrangements for the management of shared watercourses. (iii) Member States shall develop and implement appropriate institutional arrangements to enhance the participation of NGOs in planning and management of water resources at national and community levels. Monitoring and Evaluation The SADC Water Sector‟s achievement of its development goals, objectives, strategies, programmes and institutional performance should be assessed through a coherent, transparent and independent monitoring and evaluation system. (h) Stakeholder Participation and Capacity. Participation and Capacity Development (i) Water resources development and management at all levels shall be based on a participatory approach, with effective involvement of all stakeholders. (ii) All stakeholders shall be empowered to effectively participate in the management of water resources at regional, river basin, national and community levels, particularly in shared watercourses. (iii) Member States and SWCIs shall recognize the positive role played by NGOs in water resources management particularly at community level, and shall facilitate their participation in water development and management activities. Gender Mainstreaming (i) Women are recognised as playing a central role in the provision, management and safeguarding of water and shall be fully involved in the development and implementation of policies, processes and activities at all levels. (ii) All SADC Water Institutions shall implement the principles, goals and objectives of gender mainstreaming in their administration and implementation. Capacity Building and Training (i) All water institutions in the region at various levels shall make all efforts to develop and share capacity to carry out their mandate efficiently and effectively. (ii) IWRM and regional integration shall be promoted in water sector education and training. Research, Technology Development and Transfer (i) A regional perspective for effective and efficient demand-driven water sector research and technology development shall be adopted in the region. (ii) Notwithstanding considerations of national sovereignty, Member States shall share appropriate water technology and information as a means of building capacity and integration. - xvi -