Revised SADC protocol on shared water courses (2000) highlight specific articles that are particularly relevant to Namibia?

1. Article 4: This article outlines the principles of equitable and reasonable utilization of shared water resources, which is particularly relevant to Namibia as it shares several transboundary rivers with its neighboring countries.

2. Article 5: This article emphasizes the importance of cooperation and consultation among riparian states in the management of shared water resources, which is crucial for Namibia as it relies heavily on these resources for its water supply.

3. Article 6: This article addresses the need for riparian states to take measures to prevent, control, and reduce pollution of shared watercourses, which is important for Namibia as it strives to protect its water resources from pollution and degradation.

4. Article 7: This article highlights the importance of conducting environmental impact assessments for proposed activities that may affect shared watercourses, which is relevant to Namibia as it seeks to balance economic development with environmental conservation in its management of water resources.

Articles of the Revised SADC Protocol on Shared Watercourses (2000) Particularly Relevant to Namibia:

Article 2: Scope of Application
- Requires riparian states to give effect to the Protocol in respect of shared watercourses within the SADC region.
- Namibia shares several shared watercourses with neighboring countries, including the Orange, Kunene, and Zambezi rivers.

Article 4: Principles for Equitable and Reasonable Utilization
- Establishes principles for determining equitable and reasonable utilization, including:
- Geographic, hydrologic, and climatic factors
- Population dependent on the watercourse
- Existing and potential uses
- Economic and social needs
- These principles are relevant for Namibia in negotiating water allocation agreements with its neighboring countries.

Article 5: General Obligations
- Requires states to cooperate in good faith and through appropriate mechanisms to manage shared watercourses.
- Namibia has established joint water commissions with Angola, Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia to facilitate cooperation.

Article 9: Exchange of Information and Data
- Obligates states to exchange information and data on shared watercourses.
- This is crucial for Namibia to plan and manage its water resources effectively, considering the transboundary nature of its watercourses.

Article 11: Ecological Protection
- Requires states to protect and preserve the ecological integrity of shared watercourses.
- Namibia recognizes the importance of maintaining the environmental health of its watercourses, which support diverse ecosystems.

Article 13: Pollution Control
- Obligates states to prevent, control, and reduce water pollution.
- Namibia is committed to implementing pollution control measures to protect its shared watercourses and ensure water quality.

Article 21: Dispute Settlement
- Provides for the peaceful settlement of disputes through negotiation, mediation, or adjudication.
- Namibia may use these mechanisms to resolve any disputes over shared watercourses with its neighbors.

Article 25: Review and Amendment
- Allows for the review and amendment of the Protocol.
- Namibia is actively involved in the review process to ensure that the Protocol remains relevant and effective.