Naturfreunde Internationale

What Naturfreunde Internationale does

Naturfreunde Internationale (NFI), founded in 1950 in Switzerland and headquartered in Vienna since 2009, is the international umbrella federation of the Naturefriends movement, which traces its origins to 1895. The organization operates as a non-profit association (Verein) under Austrian law, representing more than 500,000 individual members through national and regional member organizations across Europe, Africa, and the Americas. NFI's mission centers on sustainable tourism, environmental protection, nature experience, and climate justice, with a network of more than 700 Naturefriends Houses providing physical infrastructure for eco-friendly accommodation and education since the first house opened in 1907.

NFI's core offerings include the FairTravel certification program for sustainable tourism, the Climate Fund that channels donations (e.g., 15 EUR plants 3 fruit trees) into climate adaptation projects in Senegal, Mali, and Togo, the Landscape of the Year initiative, and a portfolio of educational programs covering sustainable tourism for schools, tourism professionals, and youth. The organization is a founding member of the Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism and a member of the Green 10 coalition of European environmental NGOs, giving it direct influence on EU environmental policy. Its digital infrastructure is built on standard web and communication platforms — MailChimp for newsletters, Matomo for privacy-focused analytics, Padlet for the TravelActionWall, Google Forms for quizzes, and YouTube for video content — rather than proprietary technology.

Revenue is generated through membership dues from member organizations, individual donations and Climate Fund contributions, grants and subsidies from governmental and EU sources (including the Austrian Development Agency), and the distribution of educational materials and publications. The international secretariat operates with a small staff (1-10 employees), with the bulk of programmatic activity delivered through the federated network of national member organizations.

Name

Naturfreunde Internationale

Legal name

Naturfreunde Internationale

Website

https://nf-int.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1950

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Naturfreunde Internationale is a Vienna-based nonprofit federation, founded in 1950, representing 500,000+ members through national organizations. It promotes sustainable tourism, environmental protection, and climate justice across Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainable Tourism Advocacy and Environmental Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Eco-Certification, Auditing & Standards (Green Lodging, Tour Operator Certification) (THAAANAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Forestry & Reforestation (BPAGAGAD), Environmental Conservation & Sustainability Volunteering (EDAIAGAB), Campground & Overnight Facilities Operations (Campsites, Cabins, Backcountry Huts) (THAAAGAE), Citizen Science & Conservation Volunteer Tourism Programs (On-Site) (THAAAFAH), Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation Services (Restoration, Wildlife-Safe Operations) (THAAANAH)

Keywords

• Sustainable tourism
• Environmental advocacy
• Climate justice
• Nature conservation
• Outdoor recreation

Headquarters

HQ city

Vienna

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees from member organizations and individual members worldwide. The organization serves as the international umbrella federation for Naturefriends movements.
2. Donations and Climate Fund Contributions: Voluntary donations including the Climate Fund Christmas fundraising campaign where donors contribute to plant fruit trees in Africa (e.g., 15 EUR plants 3 fruit trees). Tree sponsorship programs for climate justice projects.
3. Grants and Subsidies: Subventions and funding from governmental and EU sources for development projects, climate initiatives, and educational programs. The Austrian Development Agency (ADA) co-funds development projects.
4. Publications and Educational Materials: Sales and distribution of educational materials, guidebooks, and publications on sustainable tourism and climate justice. Production of videos and educational resources for schools and tourism professionals.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Naturfreunde Internationale operates an international federation portfolio of programs focused on sustainable tourism certification (FairTravel), climate justice funding (Climate Fund for tree planting and adaptation projects in Senegal, Mali, and Togo), and a network of over 700 Naturefriends Houses for sustainable accommodations. The organization also delivers educational programs (Travel Action, FairTravelQuiz, SDG Quiz), advocacy initiatives (Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism), and community engagement events (Climate Hikes, Global Naturefriends Days, PhotoChallenge) targeting nature enthusiasts, educational institutions, tourism professionals, and member organizations across Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Product overview

Naturfreunde Internationale operates a portfolio of interconnected programs focused on sustainable tourism, environmental protection, and climate justice. The core offerings include FairTravel certification for sustainable tourism practices, the Climate Fund supporting African climate projects through tree planting and infrastructure, and Naturefriends Houses (a network of over 700 sustainable accommodations). Supporting these are educational platforms like Travel Action programs, tourism_LOG publication, the FairTravelQuiz and SDG Quiz interactive tools, and the respect_NFI TravelActionWall for community engagement. The organization also runs annual campaigns including PhotoChallenge contests, Climate Hikes, and Global Naturefriends Days. The portfolio is delivered through digital platforms (websites, Padlet, Google Forms, YouTube) and traditional publications, with revenue from membership fees, donations, grants, and sponsorships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• respect_NFI: Sustainable tourism initiative focusing on FairTravel, Travel Action, and responsible tourism education
• Climate Fund (Klimafonds)
• Naturefriends Houses
• Landscape of the Year
• Climate Hikes

Products and services

• FairTravel FairTravel is a certification and program for sustainable tourism operated by Naturfreunde Internationale. It provides criteria and guidelines for environmentally and socially responsible travel practices, targeting tourism operators and travelers seeking verified sustainable options.
• Travel Action - Educational Programs Travel Action offers educational materials and programs for tourism professionals, multipliers, consumers/travelers, NGOs, and teachers at tourism schools and universities. Activities include e-learning, peer-to-peer learning, model trips, lectures, seminars, dialogue events, and workshops.
• Respect Nature Respect Nature is a program focused on experiencing nature sustainably. It encourages outdoor activities while minimizing environmental impact and promoting conservation awareness among participants.
• TRAILS TRAILS is a program showcasing Naturefriends' treasured hiking trails worldwide, highlighting scenic and culturally significant routes maintained by the international network.
• Landscape of the Year Landscape of the Year is a multi-year program focusing attention on specific regions. Current focus is Senegal/Gambia, with virtual tours and activities highlighting the region's natural and cultural heritage.
• Naturefriends Climate Fund The Climate Fund supports climate protection projects by Naturefriends organizations in Africa (Senegal, Mali, Togo). Activities include planting fruit trees, building storage facilities, and improving stoves. Includes Christmas fundraising campaigns and tree sponsorship programs.
• Climate Hikes Climate Hikes combines hiking with climate awareness education. The organization provides a Climate Hikes Guideline and training materials for organizing hikes focused on environmental topics.
• SDGs in Motion SDGs in Motion engages young people in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals through sport, art, and creative leisure activities. Includes initiatives like the PhotoChallenge and Climate Hikes organized by youth participants.
• Naturefriends Houses Network Naturefriends Houses is an international network of over 700 nature-friendly accommodations across Europe, Africa, and America. The network emphasizes sustainable, affordable leisure and tourism for nature enthusiasts and travelers.
• tourism_LOG tourism_LOG is a publication platform for critical examination of tourism's societal, ecological, and economic impacts, with respectful engagement with people, nature, and culture, and behind-the-scenes perspectives of the tourism industry.
• respect_NFI TravelActionWall TravelActionWall is an interactive Padlet-based platform featuring current activities, participatory actions, materials, photos, videos, visions, and inspirations for sustainable travel adventures.
• FairTravelQuiz FairTravelQuiz is an online quiz testing knowledge about sustainable travel, providing suggestions for eco-friendly vacations. Hosted on Google Forms platform.
• SDG Quiz An interactive quiz with 20 questions about the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, designed as a family activity to promote awareness of global sustainability goals.
• Educational Materials Comprehensive educational materials including teaching guides for sustainable tourism (ages 14-18), worksheets, workshop materials for youth ambassadors, SDG Speed Dating activities, and Skills Lab workshops for teachers.
• Tree Sponsorship Program Tree sponsorship program supporting fruit tree planting in Senegal and Gambia through the Climate Fund. Sponsors can contribute to climate justice with regular donations supporting communities in project regions (starting at 15 EUR for 3 fruit trees).
• Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism A multi-stakeholder initiative and open platform promoting human rights in tourism. Naturfreunde Internationale is a founding member. Publishes guidelines including recommendations for labor and social standards for driving personnel in the tourism sector.
• Global Naturefriends Days Annual international gathering of Naturefriends worldwide, celebrating love of nature and solidarity. The 2026 event focuses on Climate Hikes organized by participants globally.
• PhotoChallenge Annual photo contest inviting participants to capture sustainable travel moments - from train windows, hiking, cycling, kayaking, or bus travel - demonstrating climate-friendly exploration. Prizes awarded to winning entries.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 3,500 fruit trees planted in Senegal and Gambia through tree sponsorship programs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Roundtable Menschenrechte im Tourismus (Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 September 2015Naturefriends International is a founding member of this multi-stakeholder initiative, an open platform promoting human rights in tourism. The Roundtable provides guidelines, recommendations, and implementation tools for labor and social standards in the transport and tourism sectors, including the 'Human Rights in Practice' guidelines for driving personnel. NFI contributes to developing human rights due diligence frameworks aligned with UN Guiding Principles.
• Green 10coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlliance of ten major European environmental NGOs. As a member, NFI participates in influencing EU environmental policy and legislation. The Green 10 coalition has opposed policies like the 'One in, one out' principle and advocated for the European Green Deal, publishing manifestos for EU elections and demanding climate action.
• Naturefriends Mali (2ADIB-MALI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership for Climate Fund projects including vegetable cultivation in Finkolo municipality (~7,000 inhabitants), improved cooking stoves in Mount Nimba Biosphere Reserve, and agricultural storage facilities. Supports climate adaptation and food security initiatives.
• Naturefriends SenegalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst African member organization admitted in 1996. Partner for Landscape of the Year Senegal/Gambia initiatives and Climate Fund projects including tree planting programs in the Senegal-Gambia border region. Mamadou Mbodji serves as NFI Vice-President and President of African Naturefriends Network.
• Naturefriends FranceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperative partner for Climate Fund projects in Mali, supporting vegetable cultivation and agricultural development initiatives in Finkolo.
• Children of the Mountain (Nepal)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for reconstruction of schools and kindergartens in the Tandrang region of Nepal. Naturefriends Austria collaborates with this organization for development projects.
• Junge MeisterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in video production 'Human Rights in Tourism' explaining human rights responsibilities in the tourism industry for travelers and tour operators.
• forum anders reisenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in video production 'Human Rights in Tourism' contributing to responsible tourism advocacy and education.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• European Environmental Bureau (EEB): Largest network of European environmental citizens' organizations, also a Green 10 member. Comparable as Green 10 co-member influencing EU environmental legislation, with overlapping advocacy scope.
• Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA): Global membership-based trade association for adventure and sustainable travel operators. Comparable as international membership network serving nature-based and responsible tourism operators.
• World Wildlife Fund (WWF): Major international environmental NGO operating network of national offices. Comparable as international conservation NGO with federated member model, though vastly larger scale and broader mandate.
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): Global environmental NGO federation with member organizations across 140+ countries. Comparable as a long-established international environmental federation but with far broader mandate and scale than NFI.

Direct peers

• Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC): Sets global standards and certification criteria for sustainable tourism. Directly comparable as an eco-certification standards body for travel/tourism, competing with NFI's FairTravel program for tour-operator adoption.
• Tourism Concern: UK-based nonprofit advocating for ethical and sustainable tourism with similar focus on human rights in tourism supply chains. Most directly comparable as an advocacy-NGO peer in the ethical-tourism space.
• The International Ecotourism Society (TIES): Nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting ecotourism internationally, providing education, training, and standards. Directly comparable as mission-aligned NGO focused on sustainable and nature-based tourism.
• Center for Responsible Travel (CREST): Research and policy nonprofit focused on responsible tourism, producing educational materials and policy briefings for sustainable tourism practitioners. Comparable mission and B2B education focus.
• Forum anders reisen: German association of sustainable tour operators offering sustainability certification and advocacy. Directly comparable as a sustainable-tourism certification body operating in DACH market.

Others

• Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism: Multi-stakeholder initiative NFI co-founded. Listed as a peer not as a competitor but as the closest collaborative vehicle through which NFI's human rights guidelines reach tour operators.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/nfi1895
• Facebookfacebook.com/nfint.org
• Instagraminstagram.com/naturefriends_international
• Xx.com/NaturfreundeInt
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/naturefriends-international

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Naturfreunde Internationale