Naturefriends News

"The protection of biodiversity is a prerequisite for our prosperity and well-being. The Nature Restoration Law creates the necessary standardised framework and at the same time offers the member states the necessary flexibility to take regional circumstances into account in its implementation," says Andrea Lichtenecker, Executive Director of Naturefriends International. "The fact that this law is now coming into force despite all the opposition is a great success for the environmental movement and shows that civil society engagement is worthwhile."

Diverse, intact ecosystems are the basis for the fight against the climate crisis and its effects. For example, near-natural river landscapes act as important water reservoirs that protect urban areas from flooding. Healthy soils and the presence of pollinating insects are the basis for food production. And species-rich forests defy pest infestation, which is becoming an ever-greater problem for forestry due to higher temperatures.

By 2030, 20% of the EU's land and sea area is to be restored to good ecological status, and by 2050 all degraded habitats are to be restored; the focus is on those areas that absorb and store the most carbon dioxide, such as moors, wetlands and forests. Local implementation is to take place in dialogue with landowners and land managers; food security is a central objective of the law.

The promotion of biodiversity goes hand in hand with the preservation of the many services provided by nature, such as clean water, clean air, protection against floods and avalanches and the supply of high-quality agricultural products. This also pays off financially: every euro invested in the restoration of nature creates multiple economic benefits. And last but not least, an intact natural environment contributes significantly to our mental and physical well-being and enables a wide range of sports and leisure activities.

More information: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/nature-and-biodiversity/nature-restoration-law_en

Main Action Areas:

• Consult Citizens on Energy Policy: Engaging the community to gather input and foster dialogue on sustainable energy practices.
• Support Action on Education for Sustainable Development: Promoting collaborative efforts to embed sustainability issues into educational curricula.
• Integrate Environmental Education and Sustainable Development into School Policy: Ensuring that schools adopt and implement policies that prioritize environmental education and sustainable development.

In their mission to protect the climate, A.T.L.E.D. is leveraging the influence of Naturefriends cells in schools across Algeria. A major awareness campaign has already reached numerous schools, educating students about the pressing issue of global warming and the imperative to take action.

At the forefront of this initiative are natural science teacher Mouloud and teacher Aicha Faridi Since January 3, 2024, they have been spearheading an awareness-raising program designed to train students to become eco-ambassadors. Activities include nature walks, eco-friendly cooking, home discussions on environmental issues, composting, gardening, reducing car usage, and observing local wildlife. 

Their ultimate goal is to foster long-term, sustainable behavioural changes that will benefit our planet for generations to come. The campaign's impact extends beyond the classroom into homes, encouraging dialogues between parents and children about environmental stewardship. 

Since its foundation, the European Union has been a guarantor of peace, and the promotion of peace remains at the forefront of the EU's objectives. There have been no wars on the territory of the EU since 1945 - and it should stay that way. Europe is and remains a peace project - and we should support peace everywhere in the world, not by arming ourselves, but by non-military means. This position is also one of the important selection criteria for the next European elections.

If you want Europe to continue its course for sustainable development, solidarity, social balance and peace, please vote in the European elections and support the right candidates!

If you want to get an idea of the voting behaviour of the parties on climate and environmental protection, take a look here. 
 

Naturefriends Styria and the Italian Naturefriends Association (G.I.A.N.) quickly found common ground on the broad topic of environmental and water protection, which they now want to make use of in this project, especially for youth activities. Putting their extensive expertise to good use, Naturefriends Italy brings its experience in environmental policy, particularly concerning water scarcity, while Naturefriends Styria contributes its skills in youth work, exemplified by initiatives like research days with water backpacks and river clean-ups. Cabeço Santo complements these efforts with its focus on renaturalization projects through volunteer work. 

Through the exchange of expertise and experience between the project partners, new methods are developed and then tested on-site with young people. The aim is to motivate the youth and young adults to become more involved in voluntary work in the environmental sector. To achieve this, the focus is on raising awareness, a deeper understanding of ecological interrelationships and, above all, a willingness to act.

The methods will be presented to a wider audience in June 2025. The main result will be a comprehensive handbook with pedagogical guidelines for trainers and youth group leaders.
 
Contact:

Petra Ehgartner (Naturefriends Styria/Austria): petra.ehgartner@naturfreunde-stmk.at

Christian Facchetti (Naturefriends Italy GIAN): facchettichristian@yahoo.it
 
More informations:

https://www.instagram.com/ecocowala/

Throughout the Global Naturefriends Days, we invite you to organize and participate in various activities that showcase the beauty of nature and promote solidarity. Whether it's outdoor excursions, community projects, or educational initiatives, let's come together to strengthen the bond between people and the environment.

We encourage you to share information and photos of your activities with us. Please use the hashtag #GlobalNaturefriendsDays and tag us on Instagram (naturefriends_international) or on Facebook (Naturefriends International).

Your contributions will be featured on our social media channels, allowing the global Naturefriends community to connect and be inspired by the wonderful initiatives taking place across the globe. 

As a token of appreciation for outstanding projects, we are excited to announce that three selected initiatives will be awarded 500 euros each. These awards aim to recognize and support impactful efforts that align with the values and goals of the Naturefriends movement.
Let's make the Global Naturefriends Days 2024 a memorable and impactful experience. Together, we can amplify the message of nature, solidarity, and the collective effort towards a sustainable and interconnected world.

For more information, please check the guideline: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L7u18-wW85rvpBk8wt8u7PA5QeCpeOCd/view
 
Or contact Elena Teutsch: elena.teutsch@nf-int-org

We look forward to celebrating nature and solidarity with you during the Global Naturefriends Days 2024!

Climate protection and climate justice have been amongst the key topics of the international Naturefriends activities for several years. Since 2017, the Naturefriends Climate Fund has provided funding for initiatives in Africa that enhance people well-being, mitigate the effects of climate change, and protect the environment. We carry out partnership-based and sustainable projects in close collaboration with the local community through the established Naturefriends Africa network and member organizations in 16 African nations. In addition, NFI has been lobbying for a strong climate legislation and a socio-ecological energy transition, both essential elements in reaching the global climate goals.

The disappointing results of the last COP27 as well as the failure of policy and decision makers at the EU and national levels to tackle the climate crisis led us to reflect on our engagement: How can we better respond to climate change? How can we strengthen our contribution to climate change mitigation and climate justice? And how can we support our members and partners in the Global South, who are most impacted by climate change, in the most effective way?

With this survey, we wanted to find out within our worldwide Naturefriends network how the different member organisations experience (or not) the impacts of climate change (fires, floods, drought, storms, heat, lack of snow, increased costs for insurance, etc.) and how they contribute to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and to improving climate justice. We also wanted to gain feedback on our international campaigns and initiatives and collect ideas for a strong joint commitment to climate protection and climate justice. The results of this survey are the basis for our work programme for the next coming years.

To the survey carried out during March - May 2023 answered 51 Naturefriends groups and sections from 20 countries worldwide.

The main results show that more than 50% of respondents are very concerned about climate change. Furthermore, we did not receive any sceptical comments, which encourages us to believe that the climate crisis is an important issue for the Naturefriends movement, even if the groups assess the immediate impact of climate change differently depending on their location in the world. A significant difference was found between the concerns of countries in the Global South and the Global North.

In addition, more than half of the participating sections and groups have committed to taking action in favour of climate justice. However, our main tool in the fight for climate justice, the Naturefriends Climate Fund, was unknown to almost 30% of respondents, leading us to call for the information provided by the NFI to be disseminated via social media channels and newsletters.

Nevertheless, there is great hope that the situation will improve, as almost 80% of respondents want to participate in a joint international campaign to promote climate justice.

Our latest Climate Fund project ‘Tree sponsorships for Senegal and The Gambia’ was also the subject of interrogation and we found out that almost 65 % of the participating organisations and groups are taking into account to take a tree sponsorship.

These are quite encouraging results, but so far, we are lacking monthly sponsors, whether they are individuals or groups. Climate Fund donations are welcome at any time and in any form, but regular donations extend the planning horizon and give our African members the necessary reliability for the sustainable implementation of their projects. Take on a tree sponsorship! This is possible all year round, and you can also end it at any time. With your donation, you help us to plant at least 3,500 fruit trees per year, giving people in the villages new perspectives and strengthening the role of women, who are traditionally responsible for cultivating the gardens and fields!

You can read more details about the results of this survey here: https://sites.google.com/nf-int.org/digitalebibliothek/digitale-bibliothek/klimawandel-klimaschutz/klimaumfrage-2023

Three projects were awarded by the NFI Board: the cleaning of the traditional Dafni Wine Press by Naturefriends Greece, the "Culture Day" in Timișoara by Naturefriends Arad & Timișoara (Romania) and the Clean-up Day by Naturefriends Vienna (Austria). You can read all the details here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XPiHLUQgyLYHrdAOu-Icg2NTYYV0MS5F/view?pli=1

In the heart of the Italian Alps, near the Gavia pass at 2600 m above sea level, on the border between Valtellina and Valcamonica, you can find a wonderful alpine lake named Lago Bianco, one of the few (perhaps the only) alpine lakes of arctic origin fed by muddy waters of melting ice at the center of a unique ecosystem.

The area is protected by 5 very strict environmental constraints and yet a company managed to obtain permission for excavation works to lay pipes in order to withdraw water from the lake and supply the artificial snow of the nearby ski resorts of Santa Caterina Valfurva despite the area is under the jurisdiction of the Stelvio National Park.

Naturefriends Italy support, with other environmental associations, the fight and commitment of a committee of local citizens who want to block this unfortunate project. To do this, is asked for help from anyone with technical-scientific skills (botanists, geologists, glaciologists, etc.) capable of producing a report that can raise doubt on the assessments that allowed the authorization for the works.

The Committee is very motivated and has started fundraising, engaged a lawyer and has already issued official warnings to continue the work to all the authorities involved.

More info: https://www.amicidellanatura.it/gian/salviamo-il-lago-bianco/
more updates: https://m.facebook.com/groups/1328549291431125/
donations: https://www.gofundme.com/f/salviamo-il-lago-bianco?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer

With this survey, we want to find out within our worldwide Naturefriends network how the different member organisations experience (or not) the impacts of climate change (fires, floods, drought, storms, heat, lack of snow, increased costs for insurance, etc.) and how they contribute to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and to improving climate justice. We also want to gain feedback on our international campaigns and initiatives and collect ideas for a strong joint commitment to climate protection and climate justice.

The results of this survey will be the basis for our work programme for the next coming years and for an in-depth discussion in the framework of our international Naturefriends Congress at 7. October 2023 in Spital am Pyhrn, Austria.

Here is the link to the survey: https://forms.gle/PT1aBFnBHfETGJj69

The answers will be treated confidentially, anonymised, and statistically analysed. We only ask for the names of the groups/associations so that we can contact you if necessary and cluster the answers regionally and according to the size of the associations/groups.

Please circulate this email and include the text and link to the survey in your newsletters. We need responses from all groups, small or large, national, regional or local, to make this a successful survey!
The deadline for responding to the survey is 15th May 2023! Thank you!

For any questions, please contact Elena Teutsch: elena.teutsch@nf-int.org

At the heart of the Global Naturefriends Days should be a Naturefriends activity, such as a guided walk, an interesting lecture, or a tree planting action. If there is a Natura Trail in your region, you could organize a hike there. Where possible, of course, our  Naturefriends Houses should be involved! We  encourage  you  to  set  an  important  example  and link your actions (if no other idea) to the Naturefriends Climate Fund (see www.climatefund.nf-int.org).

It doesn't matter if you are a small local group or a larger one, what matters is your message, your involvement, and your willingness to share your inspiring actions with the Naturefriends network. We would therefore be pleased to receive information and photos about your activities. These will be reported on our social media channels. Please send a short report and some significant photos to: elena.teutsch@nf-int.org

Also, three selected projects will be awarded at the NFI Congress on 7 October 2023 and will receive 500 euros each. So, participation pays off twice!
 
Here you will find a short guide that includes an overview of the event, details on how to participate and the criteria that the jury will consider when choosing the three winning projects. In addition, I have also prepared a timeline to give you a clear idea of the steps leading up to the event: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kkOsstkFHJWUD5XW1N9vqnKqHg6kg2Pz/view
 
Here, you can take a look for inspiration from last year's activities: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rnlBYjhYA1lsoqjZmmTQnR6nNX-PxYv6/view

It calls for an immediate ceasefire without preconditions. It also calls on Europe to take responsibility for a peaceful solution instead of supplying heavy weapons to the war zone. It emphasises the need for a fundamental change of course, both through a system of common security and through the socio-ecological design of the transformation, which must lead to sustainable development and strengthen Europe's cohesion. The dividing line is becoming increasingly clear: Either a new phase of disarmament, détente and peaceful cooperation will take place or the global conflicts will lead to new violence.

Read the resolution (German): https://www.naturfreunde.de/friedensresolution

It is a young organisation that aims to:

• carry out and develop hiking, alpine, cycling, water, ski and youth tourism in Europe.
• organize activities that support sports, cultural, scientific and artistic mobility between young people, volunteers, coaches and managers from different countries,
• support the development of non-formal education,
• cooperate with other organizations within the European Union on educational projects,
• enable young people to get to know and respect the culture of other European countries through various mobility programs.

NFI warmly welcomes the new member and looks forward to a fruitful collaboration!

otislovakia.sk

The new section won’t handle (at least for the moment) any house, but it proposes an admirable associative reality in which people decide to take care of themselves, the new generations and the place where they live.

The President of the new section, Marco Focacci, presented the path that he and the other volunteers started a few years ago when there was only the idea of settle in an abandoned area by RFI (Italian Railway Network) to make it a multifunctional urban center.

Today, after having passed with patience and perseverance the necessary bureaucratic formalities, the “Binario” section shares the former RFI area with the local association of “Libera” (Italian Association against Mafia) and two scout groups. Together they want to provide families with a welcoming and inclusive space where they can spend their free time but also devote themselves to the care of social gardens and promote environmental education projects and activities for children. We wish the new section of Sesto Fiorentino a future full of satisfactions.

https://www.amicidellanatura.it/binario-la-nuova-sezione-amici-della-natura/

(October 2022)

Mamadou explicitly does not speak of climate change, but of climate crisis - a crisis whose main culprits are the countries of the global North due to their greenhouse gas emissions and whose main burden is borne by the African continent, with only minimal emissions of its own. The consequences of this are severe: decline of biodiversity, coastal erosion with destruction of settlement areas, frequent floods, on the other hand also recurring long periods of drought, decline of agriculture and thus threat to food security ...
Mamadou does not apportion blame, we are all responsible for the developments, even if not all to the same extent. And not all of us have the same possibilities to react to them. The African Naturefriends therefore appeal to the solidarity of the Global North in the spirit of global justice. Solidarity is one of the core values of the Friends-of-Nature movement - and one instrument to put this solidarity into practice is the Naturefriends Climate Fund. https://climatefund.nf-int.org/

Four members of the Executive Board of 2ADIB-MALI/Naturefriends travelled to Farako, a village located 400 km from the capital Bamako, at the beginning of June, for the start of the project.

The mission of the Executive Board for the official launch of the project aimed to raise awareness and give ample information and explanations on the objectives of all parties involved in the phenomenon of global warming.

The meeting was attended by the village chief and his advisors, a representitive of the Regional Directorate for the Environment, the president of 2ADIB-MALI/Naturefriends and other team members – and of course the local population. The ceremony began with a speech by the village chief, Mr. Drissa Traoré, and the President of the Farako local group of Naturefriends, Mrs. Coulibaly Habi Babayoko. Both expressed their satisfaction and joy at the realisation of such a project in their village. Drissa Traoré also reiterated his heartfelt thanks and gratitude on behalf of the entire population of Farako for the support of Naturefriends International.

The President of 2ADIB-MALI/Naturefriends, Mr. Moussa Traoré, pointed out that the “Farako Tree Nursery Enterprise project” was funded by the NFI Climate Fund to join the fight against global warming, a scourge and a worldwide struggle.

The launch focused on the presentation of the project, the invocation of the usefulness of plants in the life of mankind and the handing over of working materials to carry out the project in the days to come. Moussa Traoré proceeded to the official and symbolic handing over of the materials to the president of the Farako local group of Naturefriends, Mrs. Coulibaly Habi Bagayoko.

At the invitation of the village chief, the team visited the site where the project will be implemented. Accompanied by the players of the "tchitiata", a local musical instrument, they walked around the site and marked the corners and boundaries of the tree nursery with stakes.

2ADIB-MALI/Naturefriends is striving to develop the "Projet Entreprise Pépinière" (Tree Nursery Enterprise) into an effective tool for raising the awareness of the population in Mali for the fight against global warming in the coming years.
 
Project budget: 6,030 Euros. For a successful implementation, 4,180 Euros are still needed!

With your donation to the Naturefriends Climate Fund you can support this important project quickly and unbureaucratically! https://climatefund.nf-int.org/en/donate/

Claudia Mazzocco, the current Deputy Executive Director and responsible for marketing and communication, will be placed on an equal footing with the current Executive Director Ramon Casanovas. The well-functioning team will thus be further strengthened. With this move,  Naturefriends Switzerland is taking an important step towards promoting women in leadership positions. https://naturfreunde.ch/

The previous main entrance, through which the water masses entered, will be closed and a new entrance will be built in a safe place. In addition, a protective wall will be built to prevent water from entering the compound.

We will keep you informed about the progress of the work in the next months in our newsletter and on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/nfint.org).

Our thanks go to all the donors who have made this success possible in such a short time! Mamadou Mbodji, Deputy Secretary General of the Senegalese Naturefriends Association ASAN (Association Sénégalaise des Amis de la Nature): "It is amazing how quickly the necessary donations for the urgently needed renovation work were made available and how generous the support of numerous Naturefriends was. On behalf of the Senegalese Naturefriends ASAN, a big thank you to our European friends!"

Naturefriends Senegal, together with experts, have worked out a detailed rehabilitation concept that includes relocating the main entrance of the building complex and retaining and pumping out the water masses that flow in from the neighbouring property during heavy rainfall. In addition, the ground floor spaces, which have been affected by water ingress, need to be rehabilitated.

The cost of the work is approximately 20,000 euros. To prevent further damage, the work must take place before the next rainy season (probably in July). We therefore want to try to secure funding as soon as possible. In addition to other sources of funding, we are dependent on donations. Every donation makes a valuable contribution to saving the only African Naturefriends House to date, which has served as a regional environmental education centre and as a starting point for Naturefriends trips to the region for almost 20 years now.

As the construction of the house was also largely financed by donations from European Naturefriends, we are confident that together we can also make the necessary renovation work possible and thus send an important signal of international solidarity in these difficult times!

We will keep you regularly informed about the status of the donations and the progress of the renovation work via our newsletter and our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/nfint.org).
You can find more information about the house here: https://www.nf-int.org/en/themen/125-activities/029-first-naturefriends-house-opened-africa

Please transfer your donations to the NFI account with the subject "Naturefriends House Dakar":
Account name: Naturefriends International
Subject: Naturefriends House Dakar
IBAN: AT88 14000 05610 665 499
BIC: BAWAATWW

In this line of Naturefriends values, the board of NF Netherlands decided to welcome refugees from Ukraine into their houses. Immediately after Easter, a bus arrived from Poland with a large group of Ukrainian war refugees - mainly mothers with their children, who are now finding peace and rest in the Naturefriends’ House ABK in the municipality of Brummen-Hall. The house, which can accommodate about 60 people, will be a "home" for these people for a longer time. As part of a welcome and integration initiative, the neighbours received the guests to Hall with a handmade flag in Ukrainian and the Ukrainian guests will be invited to the Whitsun Festival, which has been held for more than 50 years in the garden of the Naturefriends House in Brummen-Hall.

You can read more about this story of humanity in German here:

Fluchtlingshilfe in den NiederlandenDE.pdf

Since the foundation of the Naturefriends movement, we have been advocating for a world in which equal, just, peaceful, and democratic societies can develop and prosper for the benefit of all citizens. Peace and solidarity are the core values of our organisation. NFI stands in solidarity with all people living in Ukraine and the refugees seeking help in the neighbouring countries. We welcome EU Member States’ decision to grant non-bureaucratic access to the EU territories. We call on our individual members to support these people in the best possible way. We also call on our member organisations to check whether we can offer some Naturefriends Houses for temporary shelter.

Naturefriends are part of the peace-movement and participate in the numerous demonstrations all over the world. We applaud and stand with all those in the Russian Federation who resist this unjust war, protest for peace and face repression and arrest.

This is the most significant political and military crisis the European continent has faced in decades. The risk of nuclear war has never been greater since the end of the Cold War. We call on the Russian Federation to cease military action, withdraw its forces and use diplomatic and non-violent means to pursue its objectives.

At the same time, we call on third parties to prevent a further military escalation of the conflict. There are increasing voices and loud demands for rearmament and military strength. Military rearmament is the wrong solution. The militarization of a conflict never provided any solution but has been a step closer to the abyss in the past. One can never extinguish the war by pouring oil on it.

The brutal war in Ukraine did not arise because too little has been invested in armaments. Instead, the war arose because the policy of peace and détente was not continued since the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989.

The war in Ukraine is clearly Mr Putin's war and he must end it immediately. But it is also a consequence of the loss of the great opportunities of the historic year 1990. At that time, the Charter of Paris had laid the foundation for a "Common House of Europe". As late as 2001, Putin received standing applause in the German Bundestag when he outlined his prospects for a new Europe. But the outstretched hands were not accepted at that time. Instead, there has been a steady expansion of the Western sphere of influence and the ideological hardening of Putin leading to today's irrational war.

Naturefriends are calling for a return to the system of common security at last. Peace policy does not mean arming, peace policy means common security. We need this common security not only for peace, but also to overcome the climate crisis and social inequalities.

Manfred Pils | President of NFI
On behalf of the Thematic Group on EU policies and the Board of NFI

At the heart of the Global Naturefriends Days should be a Naturefriends activity, such as a guided walk, an interesting lecture, or a tree-planting action. If there is a Natura Trail in your area, you could organise a walk there. Wherever possible, of course, our Naturefriends' Houses should be involved!

We encourage you to link your actions to the promotion of the Naturefriends Climate Fund and/or to the collection of donations for Climate Fund projects (see www.climatefund.nf-int.org). These funds will be used to finance tree plantations in Africa implemented by African Naturefriends associations, as a measure against climate change and as a sign of the international solidarity that has characterised the Naturefriends movement since the beginning.

The more groups that participate, the more successful Global Naturefriends Days will be and the more visible the Naturefriends movement will become!

We will report on all activities in our media. Three selected projects will also be honoured at our annual conference on 15 October 2022 and will each receive 500 euros. So, participation pays off twice! Please send a short report and two to three significant photos to: elena.teutsch@nf-int.org.

More information on how to get involved is available in our guide:

https://sites.google.com/nf-int.org/digitalebibliothek/digitale-bibliothek/nfi-berichte-sonstiges/global-naturefriends-days-2022

Michael Müller, Federal President of NaturFreunde Germany, who co-organised the demonstration, gave an impressive speech calling for an immediate end to all attacks, Russia's withdrawal from Ukraine and a return to diplomacy. What Putin is trying to justify as a "special Russian operation" for "demilitarisation" and "denazification" is a criminal war of aggression. But says Michael Müller: "War is not acceptable. War must not be justified."

Manfred Pils, President of Naturefriends International, supports the demands on behalf of the international Naturefriends movement: "We are deeply shocked by Mr Putin's war against Ukraine. The Ukrainian people have the right to live in peace on their territory. Weapons have never been a solution. Mr Putin must stop the brutal violence against Ukraine. I call on all Naturefriends around the world to join the peaceful protests against this war."

More information on the peace demonstration in Germany: https://www.naturfreunde.de/krieg-ist-im-atomzeitalter-das-ende-aller-dinge-herr-putin-treten-sie-die-zuendschnur-aus

A central theme was the strong dependence of tourism regions in the global South on tourists from rich countries. Nabaraj Adhikari from Naturefriends Nepal, Pokhara section, reported on the dramatic effects of the stop of tourism caused by Corona on the economic situation of the population.

Anne Kretzschmar and Alexander Araya from Stay Grounded (https://stay-grounded.org/) emphasised the urgency of a just transition from air travel to climate-friendly mobility - air travel already contributes 3.5 % to human-made climate change, although globally only a minority of people participate in it - and the trend is rising. In addition, there are the negative effects of expanding and building new airports to enable more and more tourists to travel as quickly and comfortably as possible, even to remote destinations.

In the following discussion, there was a broad consensus that a fundamental change in global tourism is needed. Central to this is the inclusion of the people from the tourism destinations, which Mamadou Mbodji, President of the Naturefriends Africa Network and Vice-President of Naturefriends International, emphasised in his statement. While tourists can also switch to closer destinations that can be reached in an environmentally friendly way, people from the countries of the global South are just as dependent on a certain degree of mobility as they are on the income generated by tourism. And finally, global tourism contributes significantly to intercultural exchange, which is becoming increasingly important especially in times of rising nationalism.

Further information on the event: https://www.naturfreunde.de/termin/fachtag-kein-einkommen-dafuer-saubere-luft

50 Naturefriends came to Chocen in Eastern Bohemia for a long weekend from 30 September to 3 October 2021 for the national meeting of NF Czechia. After a forced break due to corona last year, a traditional programme mix with hikes and (cycling) excursions in the region, cosy evenings with guitar playing, a bowling tournament, an art workshop and the possibility to exchange experiences for further activities awaited the participants.

This year, the meeting also celebrated an anniversary: the 30th anniversary of the association. Naturefriends Czechia follow on from the pre-war Naturefriends movement, whose first group was formed in Northern Bohemia as early as 1897, but which was unable to operate in the Czech Republic during the two totalitarian regimes of the 20th century. It was not until 1991 that the association was renewed in Jablonec nad Nisou, and today the Czech Naturefriends are active in seven regions. An entire evening of the national meeting was dedicated to commemorating this anniversary.

After four days together with many joint activities, new experiences and ideas, cultivating old friendships and making new ones, and a joint final photo, it was visibly difficult for the participants to say goodbye. See you at the next national meeting next year!

More information and pictures on the website of Naturefriends Czechia: http://www.pratele-prirody.cz/aktuality/2021_-ix_-setkani-pratel-prirody-chocen

Now in its ninth year, "NaturFreundeGeschichte/NatureFriendsHistory" publishes specialist essays on historical Naturefriends research as well as overview articles, finds from regional association history, new sources and reviews of current research – mostly in German, but there are always English texts as well. The archive contains 18 issues full of the most interesting historical reappraisals, for example on the cultural work of the US Naturefriends, the first years of the Naturefriends International, the resistance fighter and Naturefriend Otto Kohlhofer, the influence of Naturefriends on Easter marches, the Upper Rhine Naturefriends International and much, much more.

In order to ensure the long-term continuity of the magazine, the honorary editor - Naturefriend Dieter Gross from Regensburg in Bavaria - would like to put the online magazine in other hands in the future. Naturefriends with an interest in history are therefore cordially invited both to delve into the archives of the journal and to contact Dieter Gross and support him in this important work.
More information: www.geschichte.naturfreunde.org

Irvin Mujčić, the leading figure of the association, believes in a future for the region that goes beyond economic prosperity through sustainable tourism, but above all promotes cultural exchange.

The Dutch Naturefriends, want to contribute to this beautiful initiative and have started raising money for the restoration of a water mill near Srebrenica. Not only will this generate electricity for the Naturefriends' Village but will also allow local farmers to grind flour and bake bread.

To symbolise the commitment to this project and at the same time the sadness of the events during the civil war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Dutch Naturefriends planted on 11 September a birch tree in the garden of the Naturefriends House in Hall.

The result of the solidarity action for the Naturefriends in Bosnia amounts to about 2500 Euros.

On their website you can contribute to this project under ‘Naturefriends Srebrenica Project' (https://nivon.nl/nieuws/city-of-hope-er-gloort-hoop-voor-srebrenica/?fbclid=IwAR3SIfjZO3YJb1W2SlA67AuYDemiDh0rArEUG15q-jloQ7pgTqdIa5vJKXA)

For donations: https://doneren.nivon.nl/?fbclid=IwAR3nB-8NpnDrXd7WmvLJ7srT8hFMd2WqfTNfHClxLIm7dv4sKcn4UWUiamU

About Srebrenica City of Hope project: https://srebrenicahope.wordpress.com/

The tri-national project Germany, Benin and Senegal, scheduled in Dakar from 10 to 18 september took place without the young Germans due to health restrictions in their country. However, the Beninese and Senegalese were able to share an intense week of work based on non-formal methodologies at the Naturefriends House in Petit Mbao. They also had the opportunity to make ecological and cultural discovery visits.

The meeting aimed to train the leadership of Naturefriends groups and the realization of digital story telling. It should be noted that during this meeting, online meetings allowed Germans to exchange with the Senegalo-Beninese group on certain issues.

In order to preserve these valuable ecosystems, Naturefriends in Senegal (ASAN) and JUST ACT, NFI's partner organisation, launched a project to reforest the mangrove forests in June 2021. In cooperation with the Naturefriends of Germany and the Naturefriends regional associations in Baden, Württemberg and Berlin, they are planting mangrove trees in Saint-Louis (Senegal) and Janjanbureh (Gambia). In doing so, they want to make a joint contribution to more climate justice.
As part of the project, tree nurseries are established and local organisational structures are strengthened; people are also trained to care for and protect the plantations.

Mangrove forests are valuable, species-rich ecosystems that protect the shores from erosion, provide an important source of food and income for the people with their abundance of fish, and last but not least make an important contribution to climate protection as carbon reservoirs.  

More information on the website of JUST ACT:
https://www.justactgambia.org/post/multi-benefits-of-mangrove-development-in-crr

Read Mamadou Mbodji's report on Facebook about the launch of the project:
https://www.facebook.com/nfint.org/posts/10158550660097749

FundAmbiente supports 30 communities in the department of Atlántida, which have joined together to form the "Movimiento Amplio por la Dignidad y la Justicia (MADJ)", in defending their livelihoods. This is because the de facto Honduran government has been pushing a neoliberal policy of selling off resources since the 2009 coup. Almost a third of Honduran territory has been given to national and international companies by concession – mainly for mining and hydropower projects. For the population in the affected areas, this means the impairment or even the loss of their livelihoods.

In the course of the project so far, FundAmbiente has conducted training and information events in the communities along the Jilamito River. And a first partial success has already been achieved: The US Department of Federal Development (DFC) has withdrawn its financial support for the illegal Jilamito hydropower plant. When construction began, this power plant already polluted the river on which the drinking water supply of twelve communities depends.

More information on the website of Naturefriends Germany & on the page of MADJ.

All our national associations and local groups are invited to participate with their own activities and to collect donations for the Naturefriends Climate Fund (https://www.climatefund.nf-int.org/en), which will be used to finance tree plantings in Africa – as a measure against climate change and as a sign of the international solidarity that has been characterising the Naturefriends movement from the beginning.

We will report on all activities in our media. Three selected projects will also be honoured at our annual conference on 23 October 2021 and awarded 500 euros each. So, taking part pays off twice! Please send a short report and two to three meaningful photos to: elena.teutsch@nf-int.org

The project, strongly desired and supported by the population and all local structures, consists of a borehole with a water tower whose reservoir is supplied by an electric pump powered by solar panels.
Some challenges, mainly financial, had to be overcome before the ambitious project could be inaugurated on 27 March 2021.

The new well, named "Michèle Davieau" in honour of its initiator and former president of Naturefriends France, will facilitate access to water for the rural community of Finkolo, but above all will improve the daily lives of the village's women.

This project is in addition to another one carried out in 2020 to mitigate the effects of climate change, namely a storage building for agricultural products, also built in Finkolo. The project was financed by the Naturefriends Climate Fund: https://www.climatefund.nf-int.org/en/content/food-security-finkolo

Many indigenous communities, not receiving responses to requests addressed to the government on measures to be taken to defend themselves from the pandemic, turned to the Supreme Court which proved them right by forcing the government to organize medical facilities in indigenous territories, to present plans for removal illegal occupants and create health barriers that prevent outsiders from entering villages. This cry came to the UN human rights council, on February 26 (the hearing will close on 22nd March), demonstrating to the international community that the Brazilian government has not taken effective measures to tackle the covid-19 pandemic, unlike what it told.

In this frame the death of the last man of the Juma indigenous people, the warrior Amoim Aruká, by complications from Covid-19, is heartbreaking. Read more on G.I.A.N.s website ---->

A delegation from the Gran Pino local group visited the village in early 2018 to follow the construction of this first well and found that a single well would not be enough to guarantee the basic right to drinking water for the village's approximately 1,000 inhabitants. So a second well was constructed in 2020 - this time with an electric pump powered by solar panels.

In addition, 150 fruit trees were planted and, like the two wells, handed over to the care of the local population. A group of villagers takes care of the maintenance of the wells, the care of the local trees and the weekly removal of waste from the village. Information events on environmentally friendly behaviour are also organised to accompany waste collection campaigns.

This year, the local group Gran Pino is in the process of preparing another, even more ambitious project: under the title "BOOTIMENTO" (in the local language "future"), children from Dango-Bangagou and the surrounding villages are to be given access to pre-school education within the next three years. For this purpose, a ready-to-use kindergarten is to be created, which will also offer lunch for the children in order to improve their precarious nutritional situation.
The wish for a kindergarten came from the women of the village who want to provide pre-school education for their children and thus also be relieved of childcare and have more time for other activities with which they can in turn improve their living conditions.

The building is to be equipped with three classes for a total of 150 children. Sanitary rooms, accommodation for the teacher and a kitchen with a solar oven are also planned. A photovoltaic system will enable energy self-sufficiency and the employment of the teacher and the purchase of teaching materials are also part of the project.

The group, which already takes care of well maintenance, tree care and waste disposal and now has about 30 members, will also take care of the school and the community management of the school garden, where vegetables for the children's lunch will be grown.

The local group G.I.A.N. Gran Pino will support the villagers through constant contact from Italy and with three on-site visits. At the same time, the foundation of a local Naturefriends group is being sought, which could have its headquarters on the school grounds.

More information:
GIAN Sezione Gran Pino
Via F.D. Guerrazzi 110, 57023 Cecina, Italia
www.granpino.it
granpinocecina@gmail.com

Both organisations are very active.

Friends of Nature Bulgaria is committed to the rights of minorities and against racism and advocates for an ecological orientation of Bulgarian politics and a sustainable energy transition. MADJ has been campaigning for the respect of human rights and against the destruction of the natural resources of the population for many years.

Naturefriends Berlin have been working with both organisations for many years and have initiated and supported the applications for membership in the international Naturefriends network. Several joint activities are already planned for 2021.

The NFI team is looking forward to a good cooperation with the two new member organisations!

Further information (in German): Naturefriends Berlin

2020 the Naturefriends movement celebrates its 125th anniversary. Founded in 1895 in Vienna, today the association counts 42 members in 41 countries. Thousands of local groups have been engaged in the development and organisation of leisure time and tourism activities that are accessible to all and respect nature and environment, in the protection of our natural and cultural heritage, and for securing peace and fostering solidarity.

The international Naturefriends Congress looked back with pride on the achievements of the Naturefriends movement and formulated a catalogue of challenges and approaches which will be in the focus of Naturefriends’ activities in the coming years.

Stopping human-made climate change!

The fight against the climate crisis is one of the most urgent tasks. According to recent studies climate change threatens the life of at least one billion people – mostly in the countries of the Global South. Even in comparatively less affected countries, there is already a significant increase in extreme weather events, and the global loss of biological diversity is being boosted by climate change.
We need to ban all fossil fuels and change to a sustainable energy production coming from water, wind, or sun and to environmentally sound mobility and transport. The technologies do already exist; we just need to implement them in a global scale.

Re-designing tourism!

Tourism continues to play an important role for recreation, education, and international understanding, but a re-orientation is urgently needed. Travelling should no longer be a consumer good from which mainly the large concerns profit – without comparable benefits for the local population and with massive damage to the environment and climate. Tourism development needs to be based on sustainability criteria, such as the protection of the natural resources, the reduction of the associated greenhouse-gas emissions, the respect of human rights, and the involvement of the local population.

Promoting sustainable outdoor activities!

Active experience of nature is a basis for recreation and wellbeing and shall be further promoted.
With more than 700 Naturefriends Houses, Naturefriends offer a wide range of accommodation with socially acceptable pricing and great offers for families and groups – in beautiful landscapes with attractive leisure-time offers. International Naturefriends campaigns such as “Natura Trails” or “Landscape of the Year” invite people to experience nature and to respect natural habitats, animals, and plants.

Fostering global partnerships!

We are proud to have members in several countries of the Global South. This enables us to get a deeper insight into the global development and to experience and live cultural diversity and international solidarity and friendship. Naturefriends have always been promoting an open-minded and solidary society and give these member organisations as much support as possible.
We know that many countries of the Global South are suffering from a wrong economic development based on the exploitation of natural resources and thriven by the industrialised countries. We promote a global partnership leading to more justice and equality for all people, and we are aware that this is the only human way of avoiding massive migration flows in future.

Boosting an economic and societal transformation!

We are aware that our economic system is the main cause for environmental degradation, for overusing our resources, for climate change and for growing inequalities – a system based on growth of profits instead of growth of quality of live. This system has led to a concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a small group of people, which is increasingly becoming a threat to our democratic societies.
We urgently need a transformation of our economy and society by strengthening democracy and focusing on the common good as the basis for sustainable development. Together with other NGOs, Naturefriends promote a real Green Deal that puts people and our planet at the centre and is based on the guidelines of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations' Agenda 2030.

Secure peace! Disarmament instead of rearmament!

The commitment to peace and disarmament is part of the tradition of the Naturefriends movement.  We are concerned about current developments, such as the revival of national feelings and movements that do not secure peace but instead focus on selfishness, separation and hostility towards others, the revived spectre of the Cold War between East and West and the threat of a return to a new, even nuclear, form of armament.    
A new phase of disarmament and de-escalation policy is needed, and global arms control must be continued and deepened. Instead of investments in armaments, we need investments in climate protection and social security!
 
Naturefriends as a driving force for global sustainable development

Our global economy is heavily interlinked – as we have been experiencing just now during the Covid-19 crisis. A strong global network of NGOs, trade unions, social movements, scientists and political stakeholders is needed to meet the major challenges of the 21st century. Our international movement with the power of more than 350,000 individual members is going to be a driving force in this process!
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Find the full length text here

More information about the 125 years anniversary of Naturefriends

With the "Srebrenica calling" campaign, Naturefriends Italy are calling for financial support for Naturefriends Bosnia | Prijateli Prirode - Oaza Mira. In the village of Kasapic - not far from Srebrenica - which was destroyed during the war, an old mill is to be revived and in future will also produce green electricity. More information --->.

The element water in its manifold forms and its importance for us humans was the focus of the photo competition of the Naturefriends France. The submitted pictures can be seen here: --->

Naturefriends Czechia also became active on the topic of water: on the banks of the Morava River. Equipped with bags and gloves, 14 volunteers met on their home river, walked about four kilometres along the banks. As a contribution to the campaign "Clean up Czechia!" the 14 volunteers collected about 25 kilos of garbage.

Naturefriends Germany called for nationwide days of action under the motto "125 years of Naturefriends - 125 years of international solidarity". They celebrated with a festival in Stuttgart, with lectures and readings on the history of the Naturefriends, with hikes along the historical traces of local groups and hiking meetings. The Naturefriends Baden-Württemberg invited to the International Hiking Day at Lake Constance with special guided tours in Friedrichshafen. Naturefriends Hessen organised a hiking weekend at Vogelsberg, with a hike on the Natura Trail and another circular trails. Stones painted with Naturefriends motifs were laid out at selected locations to spread the message of the Naturefriends´ anniversary.

A number of other local groups also organised walks and activities in nature. For example, 17 Finnish Naturefriends walked along the 10 km Karhupolku Trail - an exciting encounter with a bear family included! The Naturefriends Tyrol, in turn, celebrated the anniversary with a day of action at the Loassattel on Hochpillberg in wonderful mountain weather.

In addition to the reconstruction of houses, an old mill is also to be revived and in the future will also generate green electricity. One aim of the project is to develop sustainable tourism in the region and to give the people in the area an economic perspective.

More information

One of these camps is Moria on the Greek island of Lesbos, which most recently housed over 12,500 refugees – a place that was not suitable for a longer stay as it offered neither acceptable living conditions nor prospects for the future. After the devastating fire on 8th September 2020 more than 12,500 people including children, pregnant women and people with special needs have lost their shelter. People who fled because of insecure or dangerous conditions in their countries and had to leave their families, friends, and homes. People who have already lost everything are now suffering from the consequences of a failed asylum policy of the European Union and its Member States which contradicts human and children's rights.

Instead of criminalizing the victims of the fire all EU member states must be aware that their failure in realising a human and fair procedure to deal with refugees is the reason for this sad development. Now we have reached a point, where we cannot close our eyes any longer. Concrete action is immediately needed – to support the refugees at Lesbos but also to prevent even greater humanitarian catastrophes in future. It is time to show solidarity with people fleeing wars, dictatorships, and terrible poverty and to act in accordance with our commitment for a more united and inclusive Europe.

Many European cities and some member states have already declared to take over some of the now completely unsheltered people of Moria. Others have declared to support Greece in the re-erection of a new camp. Both measures are helpful to overcome the most urgent needs but will not solve the refugee crisis.

Naturefriends International and International Young Naturefriends urge the European Union and its member states to put in place a new human asylum policy avoiding further camps with inhuman living conditions and without any perspective for the people placed there.

A new asylum policy should include at least the following cornerstones:

• A decentralized approach accepting the offers of different cities and countries overcoming the so-called Dublin-regime. To motivate cities and countries to overtake refugees the costs for the period of checking the asylum application should be covered by a European asylum budget. Municipalities, companies, and NGOs should be invited to offer projects for assisting refugees in this pre-asylum stage.
• Suitable living conditions for all refugees and mandatory offers for language training and other training courses which enhance their skills and offer them new perspectives either for their future life in an European country or for a return back home in case the asylum is not granted.

Naturefriends International and International Young Naturefriends have been supporting refugees on eye-level for many years. With concrete projects we have been fostering their integration into European societies and we are ready to continue this way.

(September 2020)

It is a big house located outside from Montaretto, in the Municipality of Bonassola, a small village with a hundred inhabitants, 300 m above sea level. And it is a stone's throw from the Cinque Terre, one of the most beautiful italian landscapes.

The house can be reached either by car in 10 minutes (from Bonassola or Framura) or by foot – crossing beautiful paths in the woods with beautiful views of the sea which also contain signs of the fascist occupation (old bunkers, checkpoints on the sea ...). It takes 20 minutes on foot downhill, double uphill. Hospitality is available on self-management policy. Obviously, due to pandemia, the terms are currently reduced compared to the pre-lockdown period: groups are accepted (one at a time) from a minimum of 6 to a maximum of 12 people who must bring their own sheets and towels. The fee also includes the use of the kitchen.

Address: Via del campo 14 Fraz. Montaretto, 19011 Bonassola (SP)
E-mail: ostellomontaretto@amicidellanatura.it
Mobile: +39 339 854 1913 (Katia)

Website

Thus, with the action days "125 years of Naturefriends – 125 years of international solidarity", Naturefriends Germany intend to send a strong signal for a solidary collaboration on local as well as global level. The foreseen activities include international partnerships of Naturefriends groups, in which joint ideas are developed and implemented. We will support this initiative on the international level and look forward to a lively participation of our members!

The Corona crisis hits disadvantaged population groups particularly hard: people in precarious employment, with disabilities or health restrictions, job seekers, migrants and refugees as well as large parts of the population in the countries of the Global South, who are already suffering massively from the climate crisis. These people need our support right now!

Local groups interested in international partnerships can contact the NFI secretariat by e-mail (office@nf-int.org). We would also be pleased to hear from local groups planning another solidarity activity around Global Naturefriends Day. At the end of 2020, an international jury of Naturefriends will select the most successful activities of the anniversary year. The three best ranked activities will be awarded 500 Euros each – so taking part pays off twice!

A personal contribution to a solidary cooperation is also possible through a donation to the Naturefriends Climate Fund. 100 % of the money flows into fruit tree plantings in northern Senegal, which are carried out by Naturefriends Senegal in close cooperation with the population. More information on the Climatefund website.

More information on the action days "125 years Naturefriends – 125 years of international solidarity" of Naturefriends Germany (only in German) --->

The crisis is not only a health crisis, but a systemic crisis. And perhaps also a bitter taste of the future. "Corona shows how badly a global crisis can affect us as a world community. But we also get an idea of what climate change could destroy as a global crisis in the coming decades. This should shake us up," said Patricia Espinosa, Secretary General of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in an interview with the German magazine "Der Spiegel".

Now is the time to question traditional economic patterns, to look ahead and to set the course for more sustainability. In this sense, Naturefriends International, together with a broad alliance of European NGOs, is also calling on political leaders to take concrete measures for system change and economic reconstruction in line with the United Nations' "Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development of the World", which focuses on people and nature:

• Open letter from civil society organisations to the EU Commission: "For a Europe that cares for all - during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond". Only with solidarity, democracy, inclusion, justice and sustainability will we will emerge stronger from the crisis.
• Petition #SavePeopleNotPlanes – Red lines for Aviation Bailouts!
   

The coronavirus pandemic is causing much pain and suffering – not only in our surroundings, but worldwide. Now it is important to support the weakest in our society, to hold together and to show solidarity. And this solidarity must not stop at national borders.

Let us not close our eyes to the dramatic situation in the hopelessly overcrowded refugee camps on the Greek islands, in Turkey or in Lebanon, where desperate people, including thousands of children, have had to endure the most adverse conditions for many months. Their fate must be of concern to us right now!

Nor should we close our eyes to the situation in Africa, a continent where in many places there is a lack of medical care, hospitals and sanitation. Here too, financial, professional and medical support is needed quickly to save human lives.

Now is the time to act and to show solidarity!

The current situation demonstrates the negative aspects of globalisation. But we also see that many things are possible: people help together, support each other, and economic growth targets are moving more and more into the background.

There is a gentle ray of light on the horizon; every crisis is also an opportunity. Let us grasp it! Let us join forces to emerge stronger from this difficult time! Let us continue working together for a more just, more inclusive and greener planet!

Let us set the tracks for more humanity, for real solidarity, for new future models that focus on people and the protection of our planet – in line with the United Nation’s "Agenda 2030 for a sustainable development of the world": A good and safe life for all!

The associations and local groups presented their successful projects, tried to find solutions to problems together and created ideas for closer cooperation at both state and local level.
Find more information (in Czech and German) and photos on the website of Přátelé přírody (Naturefriends Czechia).

„Sailing the winds of change for Europe's Environment" – this was the motto of the EEB's annual conference.

The negative consequences of climate change are now perceptible, and the loss of biodiversity (e.g. insect mortality) is clearly visible. An ever-increasing percentage of the population, especially young people, are calling on politicians to take action. Europe is the most environment-conscious region in the world with the best developed environmental and social laws. On the one hand, the youth movement for climate-conscious action has strengthened the Greens in the European Parliament, and, on the other hand, the new Commission intends to present the “European Green Deal” in the first hundred days.

In this process, the following presidencies play a key role; the EEB is continuously supporting them in the implementation of the sustainability goals in Europe – and this is one of the EEB's strengths. Also at this annual conference, experts and representatives of the EU Parliament as well as representatives of the forthcoming German Presidency were on the podium, reporting on their implementation plans for the European agenda.

In unison, all political representatives - be it in Europe or in the member states - see the "European Green Deal" as an opportunity to give Europe a positive content for its citizens by driving forward not only the ecological but also the social agenda. The next 100 days are therefore a key period to shape the European Green Deal.

The implementation of the "European Green Deal" was also a focus of discussion at the EEB's annual General Assembly. It was made clear that a "European Green Deal" parallel to the current agricultural policy and structural support makes little sense and cannot be successful. Instead, the EU's financial flows must also be redirected in the direction of a green deal. This means for agricultural policy that public funds must only be spent for public purposes and that ecologically counterproductive subsidies to the agricultural industry must be stopped. Instead, we need to promote organic farming, preserve CO2 sinks such as forests, moors and natural landscapes, and invest in sustainable infrastructure such as high-speed trains. Of course, rural regions in particular must be upgraded and strengthened in order to maintain their function as natural and living spaces.

On the positive side, the Vice-President of the Commission, Frans Timmermans, has been given general responsibility for climate policy and that other departments such as agricultural and transport policy have to report to him - there is hope that climate policy can finally be implemented in the sub-politics as well.

Within the framework of Green 10 and the EEB, Naturefriends International will support all measures that lead to an efficient climate policy and to a „European Green Deal“ worthy of the name.

Students of different age groups perform campaigns against the climate change together. The internationality of the Climate Project reinforces an important message: The climate change doesn’t stop at country borders and everybody should care about climate protection.
The “Climate Workshop” started in Germany and Togo and soon after, a series of those soon very popular events took place in Namibia (2014 in Swakopmund and 2015 in Windhoek) as well as in Chile in 2017.

Find more information on the new website.

In July 2018, the Naturefriends Austria were invited to Iran for a mountaineering symposium on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the first ascent of Damavand, the highest summit in the Middle East, by the Austrian mountaineer Karl Georg Theodor Kotschy. Austrians and Iranians climed side by side to the summit of the 5.671-meter-high volcano.

This event marked the start for the mountain guide training by alpinists of the Naturefriends Austria in the coming year. 24 Persian mountaineers, including three women, were prepared for their future work as mountain guides. In September 2019, the Naturefriends Austria held several workshops in Iran at the “Eco Sustainable Symposium”. Using examples from Austria they worked on possibilities to promote mountain tourism in Iran.

There are currently around 64,000 mountaineers in Iran. Around 1,000 people are currently active as trainers and mountain guides - the Naturefriends Austria will continue to support Iran in their training according to international standards.

Article in eTurboNews

JUST ACT in The Gambia has been working intensively with Naturefriends in the context of the Landscape of the Year Senegal/The Gambia for several years. The organisation is committed to sustainable tourism development and the creation of future prospects, especially for young people in The Gambia, and has a network of internationally recognised experts at its disposal. More information.

The recently founded Naturefriends organisation in Bosnia runs a Naturefriends house in Srebrenica and is committed to nature and environmental protection as well as the development of sustainable tourism in and around Srebrenica. More information.

They wish to support the local climbing scene and create active sport and leisure opportunities for young people. Last but not least, they want to build bridges – between the people of Nablus and Nuremberg and between the local teenagers. Read the full report in our tourism_LOG (report in german at the Naturefriends Germany’s website)

Outdoor activities to complement therapy

The project „Outdoor against Cancer: move yourself, go out and live!” is supported by the European Commission. For 2019 and 2020, The Technical University of Munich received a grant within the “ERASMUS+ Sport” framework together with Naturefriends Carinthia and four other organisations from Germany, Italy, Sweden and Greece. They are organising events to raise awareness regarding the benefits of exercise and movement during and after having cancer.
It is not about competitive sports but about using regular and specific movements to strengthen the body and soul during this difficult time. Naturefriends’ sports and outdoor programmes offer a suitable framework for this.

Training the trainers

To ensure a high-quality offer also for cancer patients, Naturefriends trainers need to be educated. Such a training, which was developed by the Department of Sport and Health Sciences at Technical University of Munich together with the association “Outdoor against Cancer”, is now offered for Naturefriends Austria within the EU project.

The first two-day workshop took place in May 2019. 16 Naturefriends took part and learned in theory and practice what needs to be considered when creating courses that are open to cancer patients as well. During the practical part, the participants were able to personally experience (also with the help of simulators) what it means to move while having physical constraints.  These experiences allow the participants to put themselves into the patients’ position and help in ensuring their safety.

First certified „Outdoor against Cancer“ courses on offer

Soon, participants, who took the final exam after the training, will offer their certified “Outdoor against Cancer” courses. The offer ranges from easy hikes to skiing, climbing and bouldering. Additional courses are planned for this autumn and for 2020. Then, Naturefriends Austria will be able to permanently offer an extensive collection of outdoor activities for cancer patients.

Naturfreunde Österreich (Naturefriends Austria)

The one-sided focus by European politics on economic liberalization of the economy and monetary stability has caused many citizens to doubt the sense and purpose of the European Union. It is not a coincidence that specifically UK citizens have decided to leave the EU, since Great Britain was one of the strongest driving forces behind neo-liberal policies – while blaming the European Union for its negative consequences. This pattern – politicians impeding progress in the EU and then holding the EU accountable for all negative impacts – we unfortunately see in many populist parties in Europe, which are openly campaigning for a reduction of responsibilities on the European level in favour of an increase of national responsibilities. 
 
However, it is obvious that only a strong European Union, focusing strongly on reaching sustainability targets, can overcome global challenges: 
 
1. Everyone is affected by global climate change and it cannot be fought on a national level alone. The European Union has to take the Paris Agreement seriously and turn around energy policy in Europe. We need a put a tax on CO2 at the European level and work on establishing a CO2-free economy. A “Green New Deal” does not only support a sustainable change in energy policy but also creates new, promising industries. 
 
2. The European agriculture policy has to switch from its focus on exporting mass production to offering regional, high quality, healthy and affordable food. The ban of pesticides such as Glyphosate, promoting biodiversity and respecting animal welfare does not only help to create healthy food but also contributes to preserving the environment. 
 
3. A good life also depends on public services, such as schools, water and energy supply, local food supply, traffic, wastewater treatment and recycling. Instead of privatizing such services – which in the end only ensures the quality in big metropolitan areas and thus has failed in many countries already – we need to protect and support these services in the rural areas. The European regional aid is an important element to achieve a balance between urban and rural areas. 
 
4. National and international companies profit from the public infrastructure as well as from important educational and research institutes, which are financed via taxes. Instead of competing against each other, which led to ridiculously low corporate taxes, member states need to cooperate. Only working together on the European level can stop this vicious cycle of tax dumping and achieve fair taxation on all levels. We need to create European wide minimum rates regarding the taxation of company profits, taxes at the production site and not at the location of company headquarters, need to reduce exemptions as for example for the aviation and shipping industry, create a European financial transaction tax and establish digital business premises. EU funding has to be linked to an appropriate tax level in the different countries and other sustainability criteria.  
 
5. The EU has to ensure ecological and social standards – not only within the EU itself but also at a global level with all trading partners. There cannot be any more trade with products made by children or forced labourers and we need legal frameworks along the whole value chain including strict labelling requirements. Wage and social dumping have to be stopped, especially since it heavily contributed towards the aggressive attitude towards “foreigners”. 
  
6. Europe needs to fight against root causes of migration and not against refugees. Everybody knows that the millions of people who are on the run are not doing this voluntarily. We need joint humane asylum policies for internal and external matters, a European sea rescue and a European solidarity fund to support cities and municipalities which are taking in refugees and are actively working on integration. 
 
7. To implement these measures we need to abolish the principle of unanimity. It is unacceptable that necessary changes are being slowed down by a few who are also actively working against the EU. In addition, the European Parliament needs to have more responsibilities, such as legislative initiative. 
 
Those demands ensure that ecological and social sustainability can be achieved – they will add to social security, generate jobs and create prosperity also in disadvantaged regions. The President of Naturefriends Austria, Andreas Schieder, is running for the European Parliament for the Social Democratic Party of Austria. He demands that the neoliberal Stability and Growth Pact is replaced by a sustainable development pact, which is tied to binding economic, ecological, and social targets. Instead of the debt ratio, indicators such as unemployment, CO2 emissions, cost of housing and distribution of wealth should be used, as they give a more accurate picture of the current level of ecological well-being and social welfare. 
 
In the end, it is important that citizens vote on election day to hinder the destroyers of Europe from creating more damage – from which they want to “protect” us then on the national level. 

A week of celebrations will start immediately after the NFI Congress on June 13th, 2020. The guided tours and hikes can be booked all year in consultation with Naturefriends Vienna. Please contact the office of Naturefriends Vienna directly: wien@naturfreunde.at

Download the currently planned events and conferences.

A „Hooray!“ seemed to be in order. However, soon it became clear that this model would not work – the two organisations were officially united but did not work together a lot. This changed in 2010, when numerous local groups of Naturefriends were founded and joint activities were initiated, as for example the multi-day annual meeting and different projects. Since 2015, Duha unfortunately is not a member of Naturefriends Czechia anymore and 3.000 members were lost. Since then, the member organisation works with “only” seven local groups – including the biggest group in Gablonz which has 350 members – but it is an intense cooperation that encompasses nature, art, history, human rights, participation and slow tourism. 

Long tradition 

The association’s roots reach much further back though – all the way to the end of the 19th century. One of the founders of the Naturefriends movement, Georg Schmiedl, was born in Prossnitz (today Prostejov, Eastern Czechia). The first Naturefriends group was created in what today is Czechia, right after the group in Vienna was founded in 1895 (the group in Trnovany, Northern Bohemia, was founded in 1897 and used to be the third oldest group worldwide). The movement continually grew and finally, in 1921, during the Prague Congress, the national association “Naturefriends in Czechoslovakia” was established.  

The Naturefriends were for the most part German-speaking only and worked in the border regions of Czechoslovakia. They built the Naturefriends Houses completely on their own so that they could have a place to sleep from Saturday (a working day back then) to Sunday. Before the war, there were 39 Naturefriends Houses in Czechoslovakia (also in the High Tatras), but the only one that was kept in good condition is the “Presidential Hut”, which was built in 1927 in the Jizera Mountains. 

After Adolf Hitler and the NSDAP seized power in Germany and the annexation of Austria, the birthplace of the Naturefriends movement, Naturefriends were prohibited in Germany and Austria, the members of the association were persecuted and some even imprisoned. Thus, Naturefriends Czechoslovakia offered to hold the international Congress in 1936 in Brno. Two years later, the Czech Sudetes and soon the remaining Czechoslovakia was occupied by Germany. Now, Naturefriends were prohibited here as well by the Nazis and their property confiscated, just like it happened in Germany and Austria. 

In the revived Czechoslovakia after the war, it was not possible to create German or leftwing organisations; also, in the following years during the “Establishment of Socialism” this could not be achieved. Thus, the “revival” of the movement only happened after the Velvet Revolution 1989. With the help from German and international Naturefriends the association was first re-established in Czechoslovakia in 1991 in Jablonec nad Nisou. Since 1994, Naturefriends Czechia operate nationwide. And that is a reason to celebrate! 

Přátelé přírody z. s. / Naturefriends Czechia 

www.pratele-prirody.cz 

Birthday wishes from Manfred Pils, President of Naturefriends International 

On behalf of the international Naturefriends community I wish to extend our warmest greetings on this anniversary to Naturefriends Czechia. Special thanks belong to Mirek Prokes, who was played a crucial role as one of the co-founders of Naturefriends Czechia. A lot has happened in the last 25 years. After the fall of the Berlin Wall and during the general atmosphere of revival, Czechia finally became a part of the European Union. Unfortunately, the promised prosperity did not reach all parts of society equally, which created political discontent in many countries of the European Union and led to the support of right-wing populist or even nationalistic parties in many European countries. However, closing borders is only a short-term solution – we have to work together to shape the European Union into a social and sustainable Union, with solidarity and shared prosperity as key elements. Since its establishment in 1895, Naturefriends International has always put international and solidary understanding right in the center of its work. International meetings and joint projects help to experience the internationality and hopefully help to tear down the walls inside people’s minds. With this, we wish Naturefriends Czechia much success for the next decades. 

With a heartfelt „Berg frei“ 

Manfred Pils, President of NFI 

Oases are in jeopardy worldwide. The reasons are manifold: 

*significant climate change which causes more intense draught periods and has negative consequences on the availability of water, 

*pressure due to the rising population and urbanization negatively impact the ecosystem oasis, 

*the power of the import/export economy over the distribution channels of local products 

*changes regarding lifestyle and consumption, especially the consumption of manufactured goods at the expense of locally produced food and products, 

*insufficient development of land law, water management and production methods; the result is increasing urban sprawl, which endangers ecosystems, 

*geographic isolation, 

*insufficient recognition of the oasis through politics, as well regarding agricultural research, education and training. 

Those developments weaken the powers in the region, not only by deduction of capital but also due to migration of young people into the cities or abroad. 

This is the background for the work of Naturefriends Algeria – who suggest solutions to all those problem areas. 

Hedibi Abdellatif,

President von A.T.L.E.D (Naturefriends Algeria) 

Besides this lovely trip to Alaska also one of our members, Niels Jespers (boardmember) will go to Pakistan and try to succeed in climbing the K2. This without supplementary Oxygen. He would become the first Belgian who will do this. Also he is climbing on own power, alpine style. After climbing the Khan Tengri and the Nanga Parbat, this will be again a great and beautiful experience.

You find more information on his website: https://www.nielsjespers.be

Lars Ilya Meulenbergs

President Mountaineering group (Natuurvrienden Bergstijgers) of ATB De Natuurvrienden  

Very famous, unfortunately, have become the images of the eradication of 300,000 trees in the Dolomites in a forest known to provide the precious wood the Stradivari violins are built with; less powerful but equally painful were the injuries suffered in the area where there are 2 local groups of Italian Naturefriends, fortunately without causing damages to NF houses.

This is the case of Monte Baldo on the eastern side of Lake Garda, where numerous trees have been uprooted and have closed the forest paths at several points near the Casa NF Baito 359; much more violent instead was the wind that hit the Camonica Valley (in particular Saviore dell'Adamello) exceeding 200 km/h with the consequent uprooting of about 20,000 old trees. The event was so powerful that the local authorities asked the local population not to leave the house for any reason and, the next day, the forest was completely closed by walls of fallen trees. Furthermore, the situation in this area is far from being resolved: winter is coming, and the municipality still awaits the funds to start the work of cleaning the forest on a large scale.

In both cases, however, the friends of nature became protagonists of voluntary activities, much appreciated by the respective communities, restoring with intense manual work the viability of the woods.

For information: info@amicidellanatura.it

This Camp is a perfect chance for young mountaineers from all around the world to come together and not only experience ascending Damavand (5610m) as the highest mountain of Iran and the highest volcanic mountain of west Asia, but also to get to know other cultures and make new friends. They also have the chance of hosting experienced mountaineers like Krzysztof Wielicki. From 2015, they have been hosting this event and had participants from all over Europe including France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Poland as well as Afghanistan, Malaysia, India, Azerbaijan and Sri Lanka.

The next camp will take place from 20 july till 1 august 2019. More information.

Atour Adventure Club

The Central Board of NIVON is pleased to invite a select group of representitives of the international Friends of Nature. Especially members of the IYNF are invited to become part of the programme. 

The 95th anniversary will be the prelude to a larger event. We will emphasize the importance of the values in which we believe: Honesty, Durability, Social and Tolerant behaviour. NIVON pursues a society in solidarity.

In 2024 NIVON hopes to celebrate ist centenary. In the same year the Dutch Friends of Nature commemorate that they joined the NFI exactely hundred years ago. 

Website NIVON

(November 2018)

According to several studies, being in the forests and close to nature increases the well-being: recovering from the stress is enhanced, the mind is refreshed, and the heart pulse and blood pressure are decreased.

Everyman’s rights are for the Finns quite self-evident as we have enjoyed them for all our lives. Only the people in Norway and Sweden have similar rights. Therefore, for many foreign visitors it is hard to believe that everybody can pick up mushrooms or eat blackberries in the forest. 
 
Everyman’s rights allow people to:

• move about on foot, ski and bicycle in nature, such as in forests, natural meadows and water bodies,
• ride horses,
• stay in and temporarily stay overnight in areas where movement is also permitted,
• pick wild berries, mushrooms and unprotected plants,
• angle and ice fish, and
• boat, swim and wash themselves in waters and move about on ice.

 
The key principles of everyman’s rights are derived from the Finnish Constitution, which also ensures the protection of property. Accordingly, there are certain limitations to the rights and people are not allowed to:

• disturb the use of land by the landowner,
• move about in yards, cultivated areas or cultivated fields,
• cut down or harm growing trees,
• take dry or fallen wood,
• take moss or lichen,
• light an open fire on another’s land,
• disturb domestic premises, for example, by camping too close to dwellings or making noise,
• drop litter in the environment,
• drive a motorised vehicle off-road,
• disturb or damage birds’ nests or chicks,
• disturb animals, or
• hunt or fish without the appropriate permits.

The Finnish Yle, the public service broadcasting company, has launched  a one-week campaign "Mennään metsään” - “Let’s go to forest”,  where people can register their visits to nature. So far there are already more than 290,000 visits in the register: https://yle.fi/aihe/mennaan-metsaan. During the campaign Yle also offers a rich variety of nature-related programs.
 
Finland is planning to apply for the everyman’s rights to be included in the Unesco cultural heritage list of living traditions. The list has more than 450 objects from 117 countries – so far nothing from Finland.

Naturefriends Finland

(October 2018)

Naturefriends International, represented by Katrin Karschat, were invited to present the Transforming Tourism initiative. Shedding light on the challenges the tourism industry faces – also in the context with the Agenda 2030 – and also to provide input concerning Human Rights in tourism, the Transforming Tourism initiative was well received and sparked an interesting discussion.  
 
Ecocity Forum | Naturefriends Greece | Transforming Tourism
 
(October 2018)