Waibalavu, a village of about 160 people, is surrounded by mountainous tropical rainforest. A large cave in the forest is home to a colony of endangered Pacific sheath-tail bats, also known as flying foxes or bekabeka. According to Bat Conservation International, this species is threatened by habitat loss and is a priority for conservation.

The village has agreed to protect 792 acres of pristine rainforest, including the mountain cave that provides habitat for the bats.

Seacology has funded construction of a badly needed community hall and water supply system in the village, which is 80 miles from the capital city of Suva on Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu. Ensuring a supply of clean water will support the health of village residents.