The Technical Council of CONAGUA is an inter-ministerial body in charge of approving and evaluating the commission’s programmes, projects, budget and operations, as well as co-ordinating water policies and defining common strategies across multiple ministries and agencies (SEMARNAT, SEDESOL, Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food [SAGARPA - Secretaria de Agricultura, Ganaderia, Desarrollo Rural, Pesca y Alimentacion], Treasury, Energy, CONAFOR, IMTA, etc.). Its role is to include NGO representatives, such as water users’ associations, to further strengthen civil society participation. The Water and Public Works Operation Technical Committee, integrated by CONAGUA, CFE, IMTA and UNAM research institutions is another example of co-operation. It meets weekly to deal with all dam operating issues, including hydroelectric power stations, and to optimise water management.