Large-scale randomized control trials of incentive-based conservation: What have we learned?

Landscape-scale conservation programs are challenging to implement, and even more difficult to evaluate. Fundación Natura Bolivia and associated researchers have spent the last decade undertaking a series of randomized control trials (RCTs) of an incentive-based conservation program in Bolivia. Large RCTs are complex, perhaps more so in conservation, as they require measurement of multiple kinds of outcomes operating on different timescales. We have learned that successful RCTs of conservation interventions require that program implementers demonstrate seven characteristics, namely that they are able and willing to: replicate a proven intervention at scale, define and measure outcomes, risk their reputation, have patience, access world-class technical research support, inculcate a tight researcher/practitioner collaboration and adapt the intervention based on evaluation results. Importantly, we have shown that large-scale robust RCT-based evaluations are possible in conservation. Learning how to use such evaluation tools is critical if conservation practitioners are to demonstrate attributable impact of their interventions.