Resolution No. 36/24 approving for ratification by the Republic of Angola, the Protocol on Common Hydrographic Systems in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region.

Bearing in mind the Helsinki Rules on the Uses of Water of International Rivers and the work carried out by the International Law Commission on the non-navigational uses of international river systems of international river systems; ratification by the Republic of Angola, the Protocol on Common Hydrographic Systems in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region. The general principles of the Protocol establish that the use of the common river systems of the SADC Region shall be accessible to each riparian or basin State, within the river system territory, safeguarding its sovereign rights. The use of water resources of the river systems includes areas such as: agriculture, domestic supply, hydropower and navigation.
Member States undertake to respect and apply existing general regulations of international law concerning the use and management of the resources of common hydrographic systems and, in particular, to safeguard and be guided by the principles governing all interests in the equitable use of these systems and related resources. The Member States create the appropriate and necessary institutions for the effective implementation of this Protocol. The main objectives of the River Basin Management Institutions are: a) develop a monitoring policy for the common river systems; b) promote the equitable use of the common river systems; c) formulate strategies for the development of the common river systems; d) monitor the implementation of integrated water resources development plans in the common river systems.