In view of the existing and possible future developments which will influence the availability of water in the Orange River, a project has been initiated by ORASECOM and commissioned and funded by GTZ involving all four basin states (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa). The main objective of the project is to facilitate the development of an Integrated Water Resources Management Plan for the Orange River Basin. The plan will in turn facilitate the following specific objectives:

• Maximise benefits to be gained from Orange River water;
• Harmonise developments and operating rules;
• Foster peace in the region and prevention of conflict;
• Encourage proper and effective disaster management;
• Ensure that developments are sustainable and encourage the maintenance of biodiversity in the basin; and
• Management of potential negative impacts of current and possible future developments.