From forest to future: How land clearing and a changing earth are altering the seeds of our culture

Our trees don't tell us what they use to.The elders of Tagaloa Cooper's home island of Niue are noticing big shifts in their surroundings. The trees and plants they once looked to as indicators of weather patterns and animal migrations aren't growing the same anymore.So, what happens to our practices when our access to these valuable resources changes or even disappears completely?Tagaloa's experience is one that's been shared across the Pacific. She's part of an organisation called SPREP that's taking action for a sustainable future. You'll also hear from Saui'a Louise Mataia, a Samoan researcher whose part of a university led initiative called POCCA. They're informing the policy makers on how to enact real change in climate and development action.Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.