The Pugu Forest sometimes referred to as one of the oldest Forests of the world is a patch of Coastal Forest which stretched along the East African Coast. The 10 million years these forests are estimated to exist is relatively short compared to the 100 million years old forests which can be found in Australia. Compared to the estimated 750,000 years of the Kilimanjaro Mountain, the Pugu Forest is still respectably old. 

The tree species called after the Pugu Forest (Millettia puguensis, Baphia puguensis) do indicate that in the first place the Forest has received attention (research) for many years and secondly that it is part of a unique Coastal Forest plant community.

Extending to the Dar es Salaam Airport not too long ago and with lions roaming around and delaying the construction of the Minaki Secondary School in 1925, the Forest is now limited to the boundaries of the Pugu Forest Reserve. The reserve contains some 28 km2 of forest, agriculture land, tree plantation and human settlements.

The grave yards around the Forest, where conservation of trees is respected by everybody, are the last remnants of the Coastal Forest outside the Forest Reserve.

In the Pugu Forest Reserve many changes have been taken place, non-indigenous trees and plants have been introduced (Bamboo, Cassia, Teak) most of the hardwoods have been cut, and the daily collection of firewood and production of charcoal are now threatening the last patches of the Coastal Forest found in the Forest. Some naturalist who know the Forest for many years are trying to forget its old majesty and its existence at the time it is slowly disappearing.

The Pugu Hills Nature Centre stubbornly still hopes to safe whatever is left, because we feel that there is enough left to appreciate and perhaps even enough to regenerate over the years. Our task is immense we will have to solve together with the surrounding communities the puzzle of changing the present practise of destructive exploitation into a planned and manageable exploitation of the forest. This will involve Education, Research and Introduction of Alternative Resources for the villagers We have to find an Alternative Destination than becoming a protected reserve of shrubs and foreign plant and tree species. Sustainable use of the forest should be developed (Recreation, Tourism). These are not new ideas and some organisations are active in implementing education programmes and community forest management programmes, but the efforts are not adequate and through the concentration and stimulation of efforts by the Pugu Hills Nature Centre, we hope to achieve the urgently required stepped up conservation measures for the Pugu Forest.