On the eastern horizon of the Indonesian archipelago, as the sun begins to set and the tide slowly recedes, a captivating scene unfolds along the coast of Biak Numfor. The expanse of white sand transforms into a space of togetherness as the Byak indigenous community walks in unison toward the sea. Children, women, the elderly, and young people gather without barriers of age or social status, some clutching traditional spears. They come not merely to gather seafood, but to nurture the harmonious relationship with nature that has been passed down by their ancestors for hundreds of years. This deeply meaningful, time-honored tradition is known as Snap Mor.

Literally, “snap” refers to a traditional spear, while “mor” means hunting or catching fish collectively. However, Snap Mor is not a large-scale exploitation of the sea. This tradition is a selective, collective fishing system carried out during low tide. The entire process is governed by customary rules, from determining the timing based on the tides, selecting locations, and using environmentally friendly fishing gear, to the fair distribution of the catch among community members.

Behind the ripples of the receding tide, Snap Mor embodies noble values that remain alive in Byak society: mutual cooperation, a sense of family, respect for nature, the wise use of resources, and social justice. This tradition demonstrates that the relationship between humans and the sea is not built solely on economic needs, but also on a moral responsibility to ensure the sustainability of life.

This local wisdom is gaining broader recognition through the 2026 Munara Wampasi Festival, organized by the Biak Numfor Regency Government. This festival serves as both a platform for cultural promotion and an educational tool for the community regarding the importance of preserving coastal and marine ecosystems. By positioning Snap Mor as one of the core identities of the Biak community, the festival conveys a powerful message: celebrating tradition simultaneously reinforces a commitment to caring for nature.

Imelda W. Mansnembra, Chair of the Biak Numfor Regency PKK Movement Team, emphasized that Snap Mor should be viewed not only as a cultural celebration but also as an environmental learning space for families and the younger generation. She stated: “Snap Mor should be viewed not only as a cultural celebration but also as an environmental learning space for families and the younger generation.” She stated:

“Snap Mor teaches children and the community that the ocean is a part of life that must be respected and protected. These values must continue to be passed down from generation to generation, not only as cultural knowledge but also as environmental education within families and the community. Through activities like this, we build a shared awareness that protecting the natural environment of Biak Numfor is not the responsibility of just one party, but rather the responsibility of the entire community for the sake of the lives of today’s and future generations.”

This perspective underscores the importance of the family as the primary setting for instilling a sense of environmental stewardship. When children are involved in traditions, they do not merely witness a cultural ceremony but also learn firsthand about the limits of natural resource use, collective responsibility, and the importance of preserving resources so they remain available for future generations. In this context, Snap Mor serves as a form of environmental education deeply rooted in community life, as conservation values are conveyed through experience, role modeling, and a sense of togetherness.

Amid the growing concept of Nature-based Solutions (NbS), the Byak indigenous community has, in fact, been practicing similar principles long before the term became widely known. Snap Mor harnesses the natural dynamics of the tides, limits fishing gear, strengthens social cohesion, and ensures the sustainability of fish populations through customary rules. This tradition demonstrates that local knowledge can provide relevant solutions to today’s environmental challenges.

Indigenous communities understand when the sea can be utilized and when nature must be given the opportunity to rest and recover. This pattern of periodic use helps protect seagrass beds, coral reefs, reef fish, and various other coastal species from excessive pressure. A sense of ownership over the ocean then encourages communities to become key actors in customary-based conservation, rather than merely recipients of external programs.

Snap Mor also holds great potential for the development of responsible island ecotourism. Tourists do not merely come as spectators; they can learn about local traditions, enjoy the beauty of the beaches and islands of Biak Numfor, explore marine biodiversity, sample local cuisine, and appreciate local crafts. If managed carefully, culture-based tourism can provide economic benefits while strengthening efforts to preserve nature and culture.

However, tourism development must still prioritize indigenous communities as the holders of knowledge, decision-makers, and primary beneficiaries. The sanctity of traditions, environmental carrying capacity, and customary rules must not be sacrificed for the sake of visitor numbers. Thus, the promotion of Snap Mor goes beyond cultural performances; it serves as a pathway to strengthen identity, environmental education, and sustainable livelihoods for the community.

Ultimately, Snap Mor teaches that the ocean is not merely a space for harvesting resources, but a source of life that must be respected, protected, and passed down to future generations. Through the Munara Wampasi Festival, the local wisdom of the Byak community can become increasingly recognized as a best practice that supports marine conservation, nature-based solutions, environmental education, and the development of sustainable ecotourism in Papua.

When local wisdom combines with science, family participation, and a spirit of conservation, solutions emerge that grow from nature, are nurtured by culture, and are passed down from generation to generation. From the coast of Biak Numfor, Snap Mor conveys a simple yet profound message: protecting nature means protecting our shared life.