REVIEW OF INTRODUCTION AND TRANSLOCATION OF AQUATIC SPECIES IN THE LIMPOPO RIVER SYSTEM AND REGIONAL CO-OPERATION FOR POLICY DEVELOPMENT. ALCOM Report No. 25.
Many river systems are shared between different countries, and activities that impact on the water resource in one country may therefore have a direct effect in other countries. Co-operation between countries is crucial for sustainable management of the river resources.
FAO with the assistance of IUCN organised a review of the inter-country co-operation regarding the introduction of aquatic species in the Limpopo river system. It reviewed the present legal and institutional situation in the four countries sharing the river, as well as international and regional institutions relevant for improving the co-operation. The consultation concluded that information exchange between countries as well as the various national departments and organisations within countries is critical for the establishment of rules and regulations to harmonise mechanisms to authorise introductions and to control the introduction of unwanted aquatic species. The consultation further came up with a strategy and action plans to achieve this harmonisation.