The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) headquarters was designated the Global Centre of Excellence for Cheetah Conservation under a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with India's International Big Cat Alliance.

Founded in Namibia in 1990, the CCF has become the world's leading organisation dedicated solely to cheetah conservation.

Its Founder, Laurie Marker, described the designation as a recognition of more than 36 years of science-based conservation work while creating new opportunities to share the fund's expertise with countries working to protect and restore cheetah populations.

"The cheetah was extinct in India for over 70 years, and over the past 15 years, we have worked closely with them to reintroduce a programme aimed at bringing cheetahs back into India. Namibia is a leader in cheetah conservation globally, so we are very pleased that, with this designation as a centre of excellence, we will continue to welcome people from around the world to learn about cheetahs."

This includes the development of various programmes aimed at addressing wildlife conflict, ensuring the essential movement of cheetahs across their range, and enhancing the understanding of their overall health and genetics.

Under the partnership, CCF will, among others, help develop international training programmes and technical manuals for wildlife professionals, veterinarians, researchers and conservation practitioners.

The agreement will also see collaborative scientific research and the strengthening of technical capacity in cheetah-range countries. 

"Our programme focuses heavily on training and integrating our research with that training to achieve harmony. One key aspect is addressing wildlife conflict, particularly the perception that cheetahs prey on livestock. Initiatives such as livestock guardian dog programmes, where we utilise trained dogs to protect livestock, have proved effective in reducing conflicts with many farmers."

The partnership also provides opportunities for joint participation in international biodiversity and climate forums to help keep cheetah conservation on the global agenda.

Dr. Marker was also given a lifetime achievement award through the National Research and Science Council.