Our mission is to be the internationally recognized centre of excellence in the conservation of cheetahs and their ecosystems. CCF will work with all stakeholders to develop best practices in research, education, and land use to benefit all species, including people. As such, and in addition to scientific research that serves as the basis for conservation and education programs, CCF researches and implements programs for the sustainable economic support for local communities. Examples of these include Bushblok and the Cheetah Country label (products made by predator-friendly producers, such as beef, cheese, handcrafts), in addition to eco-tourism. Bushblok - Much of Namibia's farmland is now thickly infested by thorn trees, and it is estimated that over N$700 million is lost annually from this 'bush encroachment.' Bush encroachment affects cheetah habitat and prey. In 2001, the CCF Bush Project was established with a grant from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to study the ecological impact of bush encroachment and assess the economic viability of transforming harvested thorn trees into a household fuel product. 'Bushblok' fuel logs will help restore cheetah habitat, supply Namibian and international markets with compacted fuel log products, employ, train and empower historically disadvantaged Namibians, provide business opportunities, and develop economic, environmental and social standards for bush harvesting, chipping, processing and packaging. Bushblok also carries the Forrest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification stamp of approval.