Pemba Island residents who rely on the Ngezi-Vumawimbi Forest Reserve for part of their livelihood now face an uncertain future after construction of a boundary wall for the proposed Mantuli luxury resort stopped midway through 2026. The wall marks the edge of the planned development inside the protected area, yet no additional building activity has followed. Local communities continue to use the surrounding lands for farming and daily needs while the larger project remains on hold.
Timeline Shows Sudden Pause
Contractors completed the wall along the reserve boundary in March 2026. The structure sits in the northwest of Pemba Island, separating a former rubber plantation from community plots. Work on the Mantuli project has not resumed since that point. The pause leaves the site in a state of limbo. Observers note that the wall stands as the only visible sign of the intended resort. No equipment or further crews have appeared in the months that followed. This halt comes after earlier planning that drew attention from conservation groups.
Communities Depend on Forest Resources
Ten villages surround the Ngezi-Vumawimbi reserve, home to more than 20,000 people according to Tanzania’s 2022 census. Residents enter the forest for firewood, wild fruit, and spiritual practices. Many households earn roughly one-third of their annual income from forest products. One clear example is the bungo fruit harvest, which runs from July through late September and provides seasonal cash for local sellers. Fields of cassava and sweet potatoes lie near the reserve edge, alongside burial grounds. Any change in access or land use would directly affect these daily routines and income sources.
Biodiversity at Stake
The moist forests inside the 1,500-hectare reserve support unique plant and animal species found in few other places in East Africa. Conservation researchers highlighted these values in an open letter published in the journal Science in September 2025. They warned that resort development could harm the habitat. The letter underscored the reserve’s role as one of the region’s important remaining forest patches. Local spiritual traditions also tie communities to specific sites within the reserve. These overlapping uses create a complex picture of what any future construction might disrupt.
Stakeholders Watch for Next Steps
Several groups now track developments at the site. Local villagers weigh the potential for tourism jobs against risks to their resource base. Conservation scientists continue to monitor the reserve’s condition. Government officials hold the authority to clarify the project’s status. – Village leaders seeking updates on land boundaries – Researchers tracking species and habitat changes – Tourism investors awaiting project signals – Community members who harvest forest products seasonally The wall remains in place with no announced resumption date. This leaves open questions about whether the Mantuli plans will advance, shift, or fade. For Pemba residents, the outcome will shape both economic options and the continued health of the forest they have long used.
