Over 700 Naturefriends Houses exist worldwide in Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The first Naturefriends House was opened in 1907 at the Padasterjoch in the Stubai Alps, Austria, marking the beginning of a movement to provide the working class with access to affordable recreation in nature. Over time, these houses became symbols of solidarity, environmental protection and socially sound tourism.
This Christmas, let’s make our celebration a gift to the African Naturefriends and the population in our project regions. Naturefriends International's annual Christmas Fundraising Campaign for the Climate Fund has become a cherished tradition—a way to give back while giving forward. Each year, we are overjoyed to see how many Naturefriends choose to gift their loved ones with the symbol of hope and sustainability: fruit trees.
We would like to thank over 120 participants who shared their photos with us.
The winning photos are as colourful as the travel experiences – they speak more than a thousand words and show how you can escape the daily grind on sustainable paths and create lasting memories.
On the occasion of today's World Tourism Day, Naturefriends International (NFI) emphasises its call for a sustainable transformation of tourism as part of the shift towards a culture of peace and cooperation.
A united voice for a peaceful future for all people
„Naturefriends for Peace" was the motto of the 10th Annual Conference of Naturefriends International (NFI), which took place on 14th September in Heerlen, the Netherlands. "We all want peace and an end to the suffering of the civilian population – be it in Ukraine, Palestine or in the numerous other conflict spots where weapons are being used," said NFI President Manfred Pils in his opening statement.
After a long struggle, the majority of EU environment ministers approved the legislative proposal on nature restoration on 17th June. Naturefriends International welcomes this important and courageous step, which sets the course for a good future for Europe.
Climate change affects us all, but most of all the people in the countries of the Global South, who contribute the least to global greenhouse gas emissions. The NFI campaign "1 Euro for Climate Justice" invites all Naturefriends from wealthy countries to make a contribution to greater climate justice.
The 20th anniversary of the Naturefriends House "Maison des Amis de la Nature Alioune Diagne Mbor" in Dakar was celebrated on 28 January 2024. Ingeborg Pint, long-time tour guide for Naturefriends trips in Senegal, reports on the celebrations at the house, which is struggling with the negative effects of climate change.
As the holiday season approaches, NFI's Christmas fundraising campaign takes on a special significance. It is a time of giving when we want to support those who are most affected by climate change. This year, the focus of NFI's campaign resonates deeply with the principles of climate justice. In a symbolic sense, when you support initiatives like the Naturefriends Climate Fund you're nurturing a different kind of Christmas tree - one that grows in the hearts and in the lands of villages.
