Under the motto “75 Years of Naturefriends International – 75 years of commitment to a future worth living’’, the 11th Annual Conference of Naturefriends International (NFI) took place on 27 September 2025 in Timișoara, Romania. This special gathering marked a significant milestone in the history of NFI, founded in 1950 in Switzerland, and celebrated not only the organisation’s achievements but also its evolving mission in the face of global challenges.

In his opening speech, NFI President Manfred Pils reflected on the movement’s long-standing values and dynamic development:

“Naturefriends have made history by developing tourism for the working classes. We continue to play an important role by pursuing our current agenda with a focus on sustainable tourism development, climate justice, peace and international solidarity.”

130 Years of Grassroots Commitment

Although Naturefriends International was founded 75 years ago, the Naturefriends movement itself dates back 130 years. From its very beginning, it has stood for sustainable development and social justice, adapting to the times while remaining grounded in its core mission: promoting sustainable tourism and outdoor activities accessible to all.

Today, Naturefriends continues to enable people of all backgrounds to connect with nature – through the maintenance of mountain huts, Naturefriends Houses, hiking trails, and a wide variety of guided outdoor experiences. These activities are always shaped by the principles of ecological responsibility, human rights, and community participation.

Climate justice at the core

A key pillar of Naturefriends’ modern agenda is climate justice. Recognising that the climate crisis affects the Global South most severely, NFI advocates for international solidarity and support. Since 2017, the Naturefriends Climate Fund thanks to donations from European Naturefriends, has played a crucial role by financing partnership-based climate projects in African countries. These projects focus on practical, local solutions that improve living conditions, provide new opportunities, and contribute to climate resilience.

Working together for a sustainable Europe and beyond

Naturefriends International understands that building a better future requires strong alliances. That’s why it is an active member of the Green 10, a coalition of the ten most influential environmental NGOs in Europe. Together, they lobby for sustainable policies within the European Union and push for environmental justice worldwide.

RESOLUTION: 75 Years of Naturefriends International – 75 years of commitment to a future worth living