Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL) Rapid Impact Evaluation

The Species at Risk on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL) initiative by the Government of Canada provides opportunities to engage with cattle ranchers on issues related to species at risk (SAR). The initiative provides dollars and education to ranchers to adapt their management styles to provide better outcomes for SAR; over 70% of Canada’s SAR are affected by agricultural practices. Many barriers exist for ranchers to engage with SAR conservation, including education, economics and legal issues related to the Species at Risk Act, 2002 (SARA). The first five years of SARPAL sought to address some of these barriers and to improve outcomes for species. As the first five years of funding came to an end in 2020, Environment and Climate Change Canada engaged with different stakeholders to develop an understand of the strengths and shortcomings of the initiative. The research used a rapid impact evaluation (RIE) methodology and used key informant interviews to gather data related to the initiative. Participants generally had positive feedback on SARPAL and recommended the initiative continue, with the possibility of more funding, and the strengthening of relationships in the agricultural sector. Further research related to the initiative should continue to be conducted related to the quantitative impacts SARPAL will have on SAR.