Saskatchewan's Protected and Conserved Area Network (PCAN), formerly the Representative Areas Network (RAN), was established in 1997. The purpose of the PCAN program is to:
- Preserve healthy and relatively undisturbed natural areas;
- Maintain ecological integrity;
- Protect habitats for species-at-risk;
- Provide recreational, educational and research opportunities; and
- Support reconciliation and renewed relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
The protection and conservation of land in Saskatchewan falls within the jurisdiction and authority of the provincial government. The Ministry of Environment is responsible for managing these efforts through the PCAN program. While federal initiatives and funding can support conservation efforts, decisions regarding land management and conservation policies on provincial Crown land are determined by the provincial government to align with Saskatchewan's priorities and interests. This includes supporting the commitment to achieve objectives in Saskatchewan's Growth Plan 2020-2030 and work within Prairie Resilience: A Made-in-Saskatchewan Climate Change Strategy. A strong economy and biodiversity conservation are joint responsibilities shared by Saskatchewan’s government, industries, communities, organizations and residents. The Saskatchewan Protected and Conserved Areas Roadmap has been developed with that view, in which we work in partnership, together and holistically, to find a viable, sustainable path forward.
While delivering the PCAN program, the ministry will be:
- Collaborative – engaging, involving and co-operating with all appropriate Government of Saskatchewan ministries, crowns, agencies, Rightsholders and stakeholders.
- Respectful – accommodating different perspectives, experiences, values and priorities of all people and respecting the unique rights, responsibilities and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples.
- Transparent – ensuring openness in all aspects of the initiative and communicating clearly to all audiences.
- Innovative – incorporating new and innovative solutions, including OECMs to achieve goals in a changing environment and economy.
- Interconnected – integrating planning with other local, provincial and national efforts to protect and manage species, habitats and landscapes.
- Balanced – maintaining a balance between biodiversity conservation, avoiding economically valuable areas, and addressing cultural and societal needs.
- Evidence-based – grounded in western science, Indigenous knowledge systems and based on the best ecological and local knowledge.
- Resilient – designing for persistence and flexibility under current and future conditions.
- Adaptive – planning and implementing is open to learning and dedicated to improvement.
These principles guide us in establishing and managing Saskatchewan's protected areas to maximize conservation benefits for all residents of the province.