A new future for the Ngezi-Vumawimbi forest and for the communities of Pemba Island
Covering just 29 km², the Ngezi-Vumawimbi Forest on Pemba Island (Zanzibar Archipelago) holds global significance due to its unique biodiversity. As the last remaining patch of indigenous forest on the island, it is severely threatened by unsustainable resource use. Despite its ecological importance, the forest remains almost unknown to tourism, and the lack of financial and human resources for its management puts its survival at risk.
The GREEN project is the first significant investment in the last 20 years aimed at protecting this valuable ecosystem. We are committed to safeguarding it through an integrated approach that promotes local economic development and ensures long-term sustainability.
To protect the Ngezi-Vumawimbi Forest, we are focusing on three key areas.
1. Biodiversity Conservation.
Our ecologists are collaborating with local and international researchers to study the forest ecosystem’s biodiversity, monitoring plant species, mammals, birds, and lepidoptera using camera traps, pitfall traps, and field research conducted day and night. Strengthening forest management is a key component of the project: with four new forest guards, we aim to enhance ecological monitoring and patrols against illegal activities. In parallel, we are training about 30 key community members who will work alongside the guards to report environmental crimes accurately and effectively.
2. Active Community Involvement in Sustainable Forest Management.
We are promoting educational and awareness programmes targeting 10,000 adults and children and supporting the creation of sustainable micro-enterprises led by women, such as a small restaurant at the forest entrance, seaweed processing activities, soap production, and sustainable crafts. The forest's resources thus become an opportunity to empower 200 vulnerable women.
Waste in the areas surrounding the forest is an urgent problem: to tackle it, we are training 1,000 people on proper waste management and organizing community clean-up days and upcycling workshops for students and young people.
3. Promotion of Responsible Tourism.
The Ngezi Forest has great untapped potential: the currently limited tourist activities could become an important source of income for the local community. We are committed to expanding the range of nature-based activities, including new trails, kayak excursions on the lake at the center of the protected area, and guided tours through spice and medicinal plant gardens. Information panels placed at strategic locations will give visibility to the forest and its rich natural heritage.
The GREEN project is supported by the Fondation Audemars-Watkins and implemented in collaboration with the Department of Forests, Ministry of Agriculture of Zanzibar.