The General Principles of the Revised SADC Protocol on Shared Watercourses specify that “State Parties shall maintain a proper balance between resource development for a higher standard of living for their people and conservation and enhancement of the environment to promote sustainable development” (Art. 3.4). Clearly, therefore, there is an obligation on all the ORASECOM Member States to maintain an appropriate balance between protection and use of the Orange-Senqu River System.

While Member States will have to negotiate and agree the appropriate balance, ORASECOM should monitor and report to Parties on any threats to this balance. This obligation is also reflected in Article 7.12 of the ORASECOM Agreement which provides for the development of common monitoring systems. This assignment responds to these needs, through the development of an ORASECOM Aquatic Ecosystem Health Monitoring Programme (OSAEH Programme).