10. 10.1 STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION AND CAPACITY BUILDING Participation and Capacity Development 10.1.1. Policy: Water resources development and management at all levels shall be based on a participatory approach, with effective involvement of all stakeholders including the private sector, NGOs and civil society organisations. Historically, stakeholder participation in decision making, particularly in shared watercourses, has been limited to Government Ministries and Departments. The participation of stakeholders in decision making processes is a fundamental principle of IWRM. Stakeholder participation should therefore be encouraged at all levels within regional and national water resources development and management processes and activities. In many cases this will require a process of stakeholder mobilisation to enable and encourage them to participate. Participation shall involve Government, River Basin Organisations (RBOs), private sector, NGOs and civil society organisations. SADC is committed - through the Treaty - to promote stakeholder consultation. However, a distinction needs to be made between the SADC Secretariat‟s obligations on the one hand and Member States‟ responsibilities in representing their countries interests in SADC structures and SWCIs on the other hand. Water Resources development and management initiatives in the region should incorporate a direct multi-stakeholder consultation process, supported by participation of key stakeholders in decision making. 10.1.2. Policy: All stakeholders shall be empowered to effectively participate in the development and management of water resources at international, regional, river basin, national and community levels, particularly in shared watercourses. Effective stakeholder participation in water resources management requires adequate capacity, knowledge, skills, awareness and attitude. Free flow of information and public awareness are fundamental to the implementation of IWRM and decentralised management of water resources (in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity). This should be promoted at all levels for the purpose of improved water resources development and management in the region. Furthermore, dialogue between stakeholder groups and water resource management institutions is required for effective empowerment of stakeholders in decision making. Some of the stakeholders, such as poor rural communities, do not have sufficient knowledge, skills, financial capacity to engage in the consultative processes required. To ensure wider participation from a large number of stakeholders it may be necessary to provide support (empowerment) and facilitation to poor stakeholders, in terms of awareness raising, skills training, and financial provision for transport and accommodation to attend consultative - 50 -