1. Introduction:
A quiet orientation
This document offers a structural and philosophical proposal for the evolution of the body currently known as the International Naturist Federation (INF-FNI). It is not an institutional report, nor a set of demands, but a contribution to a wider conversation about naturism, its public identity, and its global coherence.
The proposal reflects a close reading of INF-FNI’s statutes, internal documents, and public actions, as well as broader ethical and philosophical traditions that shape naturism as a practice. It does not seek consensus or finality. Rather, it suggests possible directions—rooted in clarity, continuity, and the slow work of institutional ethics.
Naturism, as understood here, is not defined by nudity alone. It refers to a way of thinking about the human body, personal freedom, and the conditions under which people can live without fear, pretence, or hierarchy. It is a movement of principle, not uniformity.
Section 2 begins with a close examination of INF-FNI’s present structure—what it states, what it omits, and how it functions in practice. The sections that follow offer alternatives: not as replacements, but as conceptual scaffolds for something lighter, clearer, and more aligned with the values naturism claims to uphold.
Readers may follow the document linearly, or enter where relevance suggests. Its parts are interdependent, but not fragile.
2. Institutional Incoherence & Performance of Order
A critical examination of INF-FNI's structure, practices, and self-presentation:
International Naturist Federation (INF-FNI) presents as a legally regulated, internationally representative body committed to promoting naturism as a lifestyle and philosophy. Its statutes are precise and its General Assembly procedures are well formatted. Its internal councils are defined in 3 languages. On the surface, this produces an appearance of order - perhaps even of legitimacy. Beneath this appearance appears a troubling pattern: selective enforcement, symbolic compliance and governance formalism unmoored from its stated purpose.
2.1 “One Federation per Country”: Uneven Application
INF-FNI statutes affirm clearly that only one national federation per country may be recognised as an ordinary member. Yet this principle is applied inconsistently:
In Denmark, as confirmed in March 2025 correspondence from Torben Larsen, there are two independent federations: Danish Naturists and Dansk Naturist Union. Only one is officially recognised.
In Canada, a formal workaround was required: the FQN and FCN formed a union of federations to meet the “one-country” criterion. This was not a democratic reform but a workaround for an inflexible rule.
No published INF-FNI documents explain how exceptions are considered, how eligibility is determined, or what procedures exist for resolving overlap.
These circumstances could result in confusion and perceived inequity: A concentration of decision-making power in the hands of a Central Committee, with little or no recourse for federations whose applications or rights may be denied arbitrarily.
2.2 Direct Individual Membership: Financial Inequity Without Representation
Where no national federation exists, INF-FNI offers “direct membership” to individual naturists. But the cost is strikingly high:
€50 per individual, or €65 per couple or family.
These fees are:
Unjustified in the statutes.
Untethered from actual representation or voting rights.
Significantly higher than per-person dues paid via federations (which appear to range from €1–10 per year).
Direct members:
Have no structural influence.
Cannot propose motions.
Are not represented in General Assembly debates.
Do not elect leadership.
This creates a two-tier membership economy, in which individuals in underrepresented countries subsidize a federation they cannot influence.
2.3 “Law Council”: Legalism Without Advocacy
“Law Council,” referenced in §14 of the statutes and governed by its own procedural document, is not a body concerned with legal advocacy for naturist rights. Despite the suggestive title, its sole function is internal conflict resolution - responding to disputes between federations or complaints against INF-FNI officials.
Its structure raises serious concerns:
Only the Vice-President (Secretary) may initiate a case.
There is no independent tribunal or external oversight.
Appeals are only possible under narrow conditions.
Law Council is silent on external legal strategy, public rights and international law.
For a federation that claims to represent a philosophy of body freedom, “Law Council” emblazons misplaced priorities: inward-facing, procedural and protective of incumbents.
2.4 “General Assembly”: Procedure Without Participation
General Assembly rules (as revised in October 2024) are elaborate in form but restrictive in substance:
Voting is split between “membership votes” (weighted) and “country votes” (equal) - yet, no clear public formula defines the weights.
In case of disagreement between the two voting blocs, no decision is taken.
Motions must be submitted two months in advance, translated into three languages, and accompanied by financial analysis.
If not enough candidates are nominated for office, the Central Committee may fill the list itself.
If quorum is not reached, decisions may still be passed and ratified retroactively.
The effect is to create a ritual of democracy that serves to affirm decisions already shaped by Executive and Central Committees. Representation is thus performed, not exercised.
2.5 Statutes: Aspiration Without Mechanism
2024 Statutes (latest revision) describe INF-FNI’s purpose in high-minded terms:
Promotion of naturism as a philosophy and way of life.
Legal advocacy for naturist rights.
Environmental and youth engagement.
International solidarity.
Yet, they include:
No structures assigned to these goals (no advocacy office, legal team or public ethics council).
No budget allocations tied to mission-based work.
No reporting obligations to measure progress.
The document reads like an aspirational charter for an organisation that exists to manage internal credentials, issue “stamps” and host biennial assemblies!
2.6 Institutional Drift & Appearance of Reform?
In 2023, INF-FNI seemingly established a “working group” to explore reforms to its membership system and financial model. Yet, no outputs from this group have been published and no process of consultation or participation has been offered to members or the public.
Such “working groups” are a familiar bureaucratic strategy:
They signal responsiveness without requiring action.
They absorb criticism while postponing reform.
They allow power structures to persist unchanged.
This pattern—symbolic response without structural change—appears throughout INF-FNI's operations: in its rules, its voting systems, its councils and communications…
Conclusion?
INF-FNI presents itself as a body founded in law, procedure, and international cooperation. But what emerges under scrutiny is an institution whose internal mechanisms protect themselves from outside influence, exclude those without procedural fluency and fail to reflect values it claims to promote.
If naturism is to evolve as a post-national philosophy of dignity and freedom, it must be built upon institutions that do more than administer forms. It must move beyond the appearance of order and commit to clarity, transparency and ethical coherence.
3. Conceptual Framework
Naturism as a Path Toward Freedom, Equality, and Peace
Naturism is not merely a modern lifestyle or cultural preference; it embodies a rich philosophical tradition that stretches across millennia. At its core, naturism asserts the dignity of the human body in its natural form, promotes simplicity over artifice, and seeks to dissolve artificial hierarchies encoded in visual presentation. This framework draws on three distinct philosophical lineages: the ethical naturalism of Epicurus, the cosmopolitan vision of Immanuel Kant, and the critical analysis of power articulated by Noam Chomsky. Together, these thinkers provide a triadic foundation for understanding naturism as a vehicle for equality, liberty, and global solidarity.
3.1 Epicurus: A Life According to Nature
The philosophy of Epicurus (341–270 BCE), developed during the Hellenistic period, offered a radical alternative to the political and militaristic values of classical Greek society. His teachings, which emphasized the pursuit of ataraxia(tranquility) and aponia (freedom from bodily pain), were grounded in a lifestyle of modesty, friendship, and retreat from public ambition. In his Principal Doctrines, Epicurus advocates for “natural and necessary desires” and teaches that “freedom is the greatest fruit of self-sufficiency” (Doctrine 40).¹
Epicurus’ followers—including women and slaves, who were typically excluded from formal philosophical education—gathered in a private communal space known as The Garden, where they lived simply and engaged in philosophical reflection. This emphasis on equality, bodily autonomy, and withdrawal from coercive social norms has strong conceptual ties to contemporary naturism.
The Roman poet Lucretius, in De Rerum Natura, elaborated on Epicurean cosmology by situating human experience within a material universe governed by natural laws, not by divine will or social hierarchy.² The implication was clear: human beings are part of a universal order, free from inherited rank or theological mandates about bodily shame.
As Diogenes Laërtius notes in his Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers, Epicurus “was content with little, and taught that pleasure is to be found in the absence of pain and disturbance.”³ This alignment with natural living, detached from ornamentation, status, and symbolic dress, resonates with the core ethic of naturism.
3.2 Immanuel Kant: Federation, Autonomy, and the Cosmopolitan Ideal
Writing nearly two millennia later, Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) developed a powerful vision of political and moral order rooted in human autonomy and universal law. In his 1795 essay Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Sketch, Kant proposes a federation (foedus pacificum) of free states that renounce war and agree to a global legal order based on mutual respect.⁴ Crucially, Kant distinguishes this from a global empire: peace must emerge through voluntary federation, not coercion.
This vision resonates with the concept of a Naturist Federation—a body of autonomous members united not by control, but by shared ethical commitments. Kant’s principle of universal hospitality, the idea that all beings deserve recognition and protection across borders, affirms the naturist commitment to universal bodily dignity.⁵
In his earlier essay An Answer to the Question: What is Enlightenment? (1784), Kant defined enlightenment as “man’s emergence from his self-imposed immaturity,” urging individuals to use their reason without external authority.⁶ Naturism can be understood as a bodily expression of that enlightenment: a rejection of imposed shame and irrational taboos, and an embrace of rational, autonomous engagement with one's physical self and the world.
3.3 Noam Chomsky: Deconstructing Power and Cultural Control
Noam Chomsky (b. 1928), renowned for his work in linguistics and political critique, has repeatedly interrogated the structures through which modern societies exert ideological control. While his most famous critiques focus on U.S. foreign policy and mass media, his broader argument is that power functions not only through coercion, but through consent manufactured by institutions and cultural norms.⁷
Chomsky’s analysis reveals how language, media, and law shape perceptions of legitimacy and deviance—often invisibly. While he rarely addresses naturism directly, his work suggests that social norms regulating appearance, dress, and bodily expression are powerful tools for reproducing inequality and submission.
In this light, naturism becomes a subtle but profound act of counter-hegemony—refusing to participate in the ideological scripts that link nudity with shame, control, or criminality.
Chomsky’s emphasis on horizontal organisation, mutual aid, and self-awareness offers a blueprint for naturism as a cultural stance: not simply to disrobe, but to unlearn the ideologies of domination embedded in the clothed, coded body.
3.4 Conclusion: A Federation of Freedom
Taken together, Epicurus, Kant, and Chomsky represent a philosophical arc that moves from natural autonomy, to moral federation, to critical resistance. Their ideas, though drawn from radically different contexts, converge around a shared critique of coercion—whether social, political, or ideological.
Naturism, situated within this lineage, emerges as more than a recreational practice. It becomes a form of ethical reclamation: a way to assert equality in a world obsessed with status, to live freely without adornment in an age of hypervisibility, and to affirm peace through solidarity rather than division.
📚 Notes & References
Epicurus, Principal Doctrines; see also Vatican Sayings and Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers, Book X.
Lucretius, De Rerum Natura, trans. A.E. Stallings (Penguin Classics, 2007).
Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers, Book X.
Kant, Immanuel. Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Sketch (1795), in Kant: Political Writings, ed. Hans Reiss, trans. H.B. Nisbet (Cambridge University Press, 1991).
Ibid., “Second Definitive Article for Perpetual Peace.”
Kant, An Answer to the Question: What is Enlightenment? (1784), ibid.
Chomsky, Noam & Herman, Edward S. Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media(Pantheon, 1988); see also public lectures archived via Democracy Now, MIT OpenCourseWare, and interviews compiled in The Chomsky-Foucault Debate (1971).
4. Naming Protocol and Institutional Coherence
Clarifying Language to Align with Global Values
Language used to name an organisation is never neutral. It reflects not only structure and scope but also underlying values, allegiances and assumptions. In the case of naturism - a movement committed to simplicity, equality and bodily freedom - terminology used at every level must reflect its non-hierarchical, non-nationalistic and universalist character. This section outlines a three-part protocol for linguistic coherence within a renewed global structure.
4.1 Defining “Naturist Federation” Across Languages
The proposal to rename the INF-FNI simply as the Naturist Federation presupposes that the term be conceptually accessible and semantically precise across multiple languages and cultures. In many parts of the world, the concept of naturism as non-sexual, body-neutral, and values-based nudity is already recognised. However, linguistic variations and potential confusion with “naturalism” (a term associated with art, literature, or ecology) necessitate thoughtful translation and, in some cases, neologism.
Below are ten proposed translations or adaptations of “Naturist Federation,” in languages where naturism already has conceptual clarity:
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Language: English
History: The phrase “Naturist Federation” has been used in English since at least the mid-20th century, particularly in international contexts referring to umbrella organisations. International Naturist Federation (INF-FNI) adopted this bilingual title (in English and French) to imply a global scope. Whilst English-speaking countries like the UK and US have preferred more culturally nuanced names - such as “British Naturism” or “American Association for Nude Recreation” - the term “Naturist Federation” has retained symbolic weight as a formal, international designation rather than a name for national entities. -
Language: French
History: In France, the term Fédération Naturiste has been used since the founding of Fédération française de naturisme (FFN) in 1950. The phrase emerged in postwar France alongside broader cultural interest in naturism as a philosophical and recreational movement linked to health, ecology and humanism. FFN played a crucial role in securing legal recognition and public legitimacy for naturism in France, and the phrase “Fédération Naturiste” has been widely used in francophone naturist literature, legal advocacy and institutional documents. -
Language: Spanish
History: The phrase Federación Naturista became formalised in most Spanish-speaking countries during late 20th century. In Spain, Federación Española de Naturismo was established in 1980 to coordinate advocacy, legal defence and naturist tourism. The term has since been adopted by various regional and national organisations across Latin America. It holds strong conceptual clarity, especially in contrast to “naturalismo,” which in Spanish more commonly refers to artistic or literary realism rather than body freedom or nudity. -
Language: German
History: The German-speaking naturist movement, known as Freikörperkultur (FKK), has deep roots going back to the early 20th century. However, the more international term Naturistenföderation (Federation of Naturists) was adopted to distinguish transnational coordination efforts from domestic FKK clubs. German naturism historically emphasized health, discipline, and reformist ideals. While the term “Föderation” is not common in everyday German usage, it appears in formal documents and communications when referring to global cooperation. -
Language: Dutch
History: The Dutch phrase Naturistenfederatie was used historically by the Naturisten Federatie Nederland (NFN), established in 1961. While the legal name still includes "federatie," the organisation rebranded publicly in recent years as NFN Open & Bloot (“Open and Naked”), reflecting a shift toward accessibility, body positivity, and broader public engagement. This change mirrors a growing trend in the Netherlands to downplay institutional or hierarchical language while still preserving core naturist values. -
Language: Italian
History: The Italian naturist movement formalised its national representation under the Federazione Naturista Italiana (FNI). The phrase Federazione Naturista has been used since at least the 1970s to unify various regional groups, particularly as naturist tourism expanded along the Adriatic coast and in central Italy. The term remains in formal use but is often accompanied by more inclusive or lifestyle-oriented messaging in public outreach. -
Language: Portuguese
History: Federação Naturista is widely used in both Portugal and Brazil, where naturism is legally recognised in designated areas and protected under certain civic rights frameworks. Federação Portuguesa de Naturismo and Federação Brasileira de Naturismo both use this phrase, particularly in legal documents, official statements and collaborations with public authorities. Its meaning is well established and distinct from "naturalismo" (used in art and literature). -
Language: Swedish
History: Sweden’s primary naturist organisation is Sveriges Naturistförbund, and the term naturistförbund (naturist association/federation) is used to refer to both the national organisation and local chapters. The suffix “förbund” translates as “union” or “association,” which occasionally leads to confusion with formal federated structures. In an international context, clarifying this distinction helps maintain coherence between national and global naming schemes. -
Language: Esperanto
History: As a constructed language rooted in ideals of peace and universalism, Esperanto has embraced naturist values from early on. The term Naturisma Federacio has been used by Esperanto-speaking naturist groups to communicate across linguistic divides. Its post-national ethos aligns perfectly with proposed identity for the global Naturist Federation, and Esperanto’s neutrality reinforces naturism as a philosophy not tied to borders or national identity. -
Language: Japanese (possible neologisms)
History: In Japan, naturism exists as a niche cultural practice with limited public visibility. The commonly used term 自然主義 (shizenshugi) refers to naturalism in philosophy or art, which may cause confusion when trying to express naturism as body freedom. For clarity, new terms could be coined such as 新裸体連盟 (shin ratai renmei), meaning “New Nudity Federation,” or alternatives using 裸体主義 (rataishugi) to explicitly convey non-sexual, body-neutral nudity. These neologisms would require careful introduction but could pave the way for clearer discourse on naturism in East Asia.
In contexts where no established term for naturism exists - or where connotations are ambiguous - neologism and semantic innovation could be encouraged. The priority is to convey values such as body freedom, non-sexualised nudity and connection to nature, without invoking misleading terms associated with eroticism or nationalism.
4.2 Justification for Renaming INF-FNI as Naturist Federation
Renaming INF-FNI to Naturist Federation is not merely symbolic - it follows philosophical and political lenses of Epicurus, Kant, Chomsky, and others. Naturism embodies commitment to universal dignity, bodily autonomy, and peace beyond boundaries.
The term “International” presumes a world divided by nation-states, a concept incompatible with the post-national, ethical, and universal character of naturism. Naturism is not constrained by citizenship or nationality; it is a human condition and a moral stance. Kant might suggest it is cosmopolitan in nature, reflecting a “federation of free individuals” rather than a coalition of nations.
However, naturism is also practiced within real-world jurisdictions governed by laws - some supportive, others hostile. Whilst the proposal for bodily freedom is universal, the practice of naturism must tactically adapt to varying legal contexts. This sometimes means advocacy and negotiation; at other times, nonviolent civil disobedience may be a legitimate ethical response to unjust norms, following traditions laid out by Socrates, Thoreau, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr.
Renaming INF-FNI affirms two parallel commitments:
Shed colonial and nationalistic baggage to present naturism as a global and humanist project.
Work respectfully but not submissively - within or around national laws - to advance bodily liberty.
4.3 Naming Protocol for Member Organisations
In coherence with renaming the global body, a naming protocol is required for other organisations affiliated with or recognised by Naturist Federation. This is not a restriction on expression but a clarity protocol, designed to confer the term “Naturist Federation” with unique and symbolic responsibility for coordination.
Protocol Guidelines:
No member organisation may use the full phrase “Naturist Federation” in its name.
Member organisations may use the term "Naturism" or “Federation” individually (e.g., "Federation for Ethical Living," "Society for Naturism in Spain") but not in conjunction.
This prevents confusion between a global INGO, national or regional entities, and other INGOs; whilst emphasising a unified but non-hierarchical structure.
This approach is not unprecedented. Other INGOs have adopted similar models:
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Context: Present-day
History and Practice: United Nations is a uniquely global body that does not permit the use of its name by member states, agencies, or affiliated organisations without explicit permission. Member states are referred to simply as “Member States of the United Nations,” while specialised agencies like UNESCO or UNICEF retain distinct branding. National offices use formats like “UNDP Philippines” or “UN Women Brazil,” which clearly indicate their function within the UN system without duplicating its core identity. The brand “United Nations” thus retains exclusive association with the global collective, not individual nations. -
Context: Present-day
History and Practice: As a specialised UN agency, World Health Organisation maintains a centralised global identity. Regional offices are named by geography, such as WHO Western Pacific Region or WHO Europe, and country offices are listed by function (e.g., WHO Country Office in Ghana). No country, group, or NGO is permitted to use “World Health Organisation” in its title, preserving clarity of the central institution. Collaboration is possible via official partnerships, but always with clear branding rules. -
Context: Present-day
History and Practice: Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement includes both global and national components. ICRC (based in Geneva) is a legally protected global institution under international humanitarian law. National societies (e.g., British Red Cross, Kenya Red Cross) are recognised as auxiliaries to their governments, not branches of ICRC. This naming system is carefully managed via International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which coordinates while keeping branding localised and distinct. -
Context: Present-day
History and Practice: Greenpeace is a high-profile INGO that coordinates global campaigns through a centralised global identity, simply known as Greenpeace International. National and regional branches are named geographically (e.g., Greenpeace Nordic, Greenpeace Southeast Asia) but do not append “Greenpeace Federation” or “International” to their names. Their visual branding is unified, but their legal and linguistic identities remain clearly subordinate to the centralised core, preserving Greenpeace’s singular voice in global discourse. -
Context: Present-day
History and Practice: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is globally known under its French name but uses a consistent acronym (MSF) across all national operational centres. For example: MSF Holland, MSF Belgium, MSF USA. These entities operate semi-independently but do not replicate the term “International” in their naming. MSF International remains the umbrella coordination body. This naming protocol preserves both global brand unity and national clarity, without confusing multiple layers of authority. -
Context: Present-day
History and Practice: Founded in 1961, Amnesty International is one of the most prominent human rights INGOs. It maintains global identity as Amnesty International and names national sections by country or region (e.g., Amnesty UK, Amnesty Nigeria). No member organisation uses the phrase “Amnesty International” independently in its legal title; they function as sections, not federations. This ensures clear hierarchical and symbolic distinction between the INGO and its national components. -
Context: Present-day
History and Practice: IUCN is a key inspiration for the proposed structure of Naturist Federation. Its membership includes governments, NGOs, and academic institutions, not individuals or national "IUCNs." Its name is never duplicated at the national level; member organisations retain their own names and identities. A global IUCN Secretariat coordinates operations and policy. This preserves clarity of identity, whilst enabling diverse organisations to affiliate meaningfully under a global ethical umbrella. -
Context: Present-day
History and Practice: Human Rights Watch does not operate as a federation, nor does it maintain named national “branches.” Instead, HRW works through field offices identified by region (e.g., HRW Middle East and North Africa) or thematic area (e.g., HRW LGBTQ+ Rights Program). This helps preserve HRW’s reputation as a global research and advocacy organisation, and prevents dilution of its identity across national contexts. -
Context: Historical (1920–1946)
History and Practice: Though ultimately ineffective in preventing global conflict, League of Nations was one of the first attempts at post-national governance. It maintained a unified name with no national “branches”, only delegations from member states. Its failure taught valuable lessons about the need for enforceable norms and coherent identity—lessons later incorporated into system of United Nations. Its symbolic architecture nonetheless remains a reference point for global federations that aim to transcend nationalist models. -
Context: Present-day
History and Practice: WWF uses a globally recognised panda logo and operates through regional offices named after countries (e.g., WWF South Africa, WWF Australia). While each office is legally independent, the WWF Network maintains strict brand and naming protocols. The term "World Wide Fund for Nature" is reserved for the global brand and central authority, not to be used independently by national groups. This protects the clarity of the WWF's advocacy voice and public trust. -
Context: Antiquity
History and Critique: Roman Empire was perhaps the most ambitious pre-modern attempt at global (or at least transcontinental) unity. It built a vast system of law, infrastructure, and military control, binding dozens of cultures into a single imperial structure. However, unity was imposed through conquest, taxation, slavery, and ideological assimilation—not voluntary federation. Its language, "Imperium Romanum," denoted supreme authority and dominion, not cooperative alliance. Naturism, by contrast, must define itself in opposition to this kind of unity-by-subjugation: federation without force, peace without empire. -
Context: Antiquity to Present
History and Critique: Catholic Church, emerging from Roman Empire, clings to an extraordinary continuity in global abuses of power. However, its claim to universal spiritual authority (“catholic” meaning “universal”) has historically relied on hierarchical structures, doctrinal control and suppression of bodily autonomy. Its naming conventions reflect top-down authority: “The Holy See,” “Diocese of X,” “Universal Church.” For a movement like naturism, which celebrates bodily freedom, pluralism, and reason, Catholic Church serves as a cautionary example of how claims to universality can be entangled with patriarchy, repression and dogma. -
Context: Early 20th Century
History and Critique: Communist International, or Comintern, was founded in 1919 by Lenin to coordinate revolutionary communist parties worldwide. Whilst initially envisioned as a federated alliance, Comintern quickly came under centralised Soviet control. National parties were expected to obey Moscow's line, despite being formally “independent.” Its naming strategy was rigid and hierarchical: all member parties were called “Communist Party of [Country], Section of the Communist International.” This model illustrates dangers of centralised ideological hegemony, masquerading as internationalism. Naturism’s global body must resist such templated naming and embrace local diversity within ethical unity. -
Context: Medieval to Early Modern Europe
History and Critique: Famously described as “neither holy, nor Roman, nor an empire,” the Holy Roman Empire was a loosely federated collection of territories in central Europe, nominally unified under an emperor and Christian legitimacy. Its structure was marked by constant power struggles, symbolic inflation and naming without meaning. The term “Holy” was used to assert moral authority; “Roman” was a claim to historical continuity; “Empire” implied centralisation that rarely existed in practice. For naturism, this stands as a warning: naming must reflect real structure, or risk losing credibility and coherence. -
Context: 7th century CE onward
History and Critique: Early Islamic Caliphates - especially Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties - represented large-scale religious-political entities that spanned continents. The term “caliphate” (from khalīfa, meaning successor) asserted global religious leadership over all Muslims. Over time, disputes over legitimacy, succession and doctrinal interpretation fractured the ummah (community), despite a shared name. For a modern federation like naturism aspires to, a lesson is that shared identity must not override local autonomy or diversity of thought, and names must never become instruments of centralised control.
4.4 Naming with Integrity: Reimagining Local Identities
Renaming INF-FNI as Naturist Federation invites not only structural coherence, but also a moment of creative renewal for national, regional and local naturist organisations. Rather than clinging to inherited labels or mirroring the name of the coordinating entity, these groups could reimagine themselves - to name their work not as offshoots, but as distinct expressions of a shared philosophy.
This is not restriction, but liberation from mimicry. When every organisation calls itself a “Federation,” the word loses meaning. If each uses the same terms, we dilute our collective voice. Whereas; if diverse communities speak in regional accents - in harmony with a global chorus - ideas become stronger and more legible to the world.
The naming horizon becomes wide open:
Some may choose to place “Naturism” before their nation, e.g. Naturism Canada or Naturism Kenya, symbolically placing principle before territory.
Others may prefer the poetry of collectivity: an Open Living Society, a Nudity and Nature Collective, or a Consortium for Natural Living. These evoke not hierarchy but kinship - a gathering of like-minds, not a bureaucracy of members.
Still others may name themselves by their mission. An Association for Body Freedom, a Body Neutral Movement, or a Civic Naturist Alliance—each reflecting local priorities: whether legal reform, social education, or cultural transformation.
In regions where naturism is emerging from social stigma or legal ambiguity, names that emphasise dignity, health, ecology or openness may better serve the cause than technical terms. A group in highlands of Peru, for example, might call itself Raíces del Cuerpo Libre—“Roots of the Free Body” - while a coastal network in Greece might opt for Thalassa Anoixti, the “Open Sea.”
Name groups not as satellites, but as constellations distinct and luminous, orbiting common values.
Naturist Federation will be enriched, not weakened, by more diversity in names reflecting geography, language, history and spirit. Just as Epicurus taught in the Garden, let each community flourish in friendship and freedom. And let the names they choose bloom like wildflowers: local, expressive and rooted.
5. Shared Responsibilities and Reciprocal Commitments
… Between Naturist Federation and Member Entities:
Naturism is more than a lifestyle - it is a value system. For that reason, relationship between Naturist Federation and member entities - whether local, regional, thematic, or international - must be founded on principles, not hierarchy. This is not a top-down structure, but a reciprocal alliance. Membership in Naturist Federation is both an invitation and a responsibility: to uphold shared ethics, to innovate locally and to support a global community in progressive evolution. Members are encouraged to act with integrity, creativity and mutual accountability, in alignment with specified principles.
5.1 Legal Reform: Upholding Bodily Autonomy
In many jurisdictions, laws governing nudity, modesty, public decency or morality are vague, punitive and rooted in religious or colonial frameworks. Naturist Federation affirms that bodily freedom is a human right (not luxury or deviance) and member entities are encouraged to work towards:
Decriminalisation of non-sexual nudity in public and semi-public spaces.
Legal recognition of naturism as a valid philosophical or cultural practice.
Protections for naturists under human rights, anti-discrimination and civil liberty laws.
Advocacy grounded in legal pluralism, respect for local cultures and principles of peaceful engagement.
Whilst legal systems may differ, all member entities of Naturist Federation must commit to ensure that the body is not treated as obscene by default.
5.2 Safe Spaces: a Heart of Naturist Practice
Naturism cannot flourish without safe environments, where people of all backgrounds, genders, abilities and ages can live, move and express themselves free from judgment, harassment or coercion.
Rather than merely “access” to existing spaces, member entities should focus on creation and stewardship of:
Public naturist spaces, legally protected and sensitively managed.
Private spaces rooted in principles of consent, inclusion and body neutrality.
Hybrid models - such as cooperative-run resorts, nature sanctuaries, urban retreats or wellness centres - combining cultural, environmental and economic sustainability.
Safety is not achieved through isolation, but through cultural transformation. Member entities are therefore encouraged to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into their practices - from governance to signage and from outreach to spatial design.
5.3 Ethical Partnerships and Corporate Engagement
Naturist movement may benefit from partnerships with public agencies, ethical businesses and civil society groups - but only when guided by clear principles that safeguard autonomy, purpose, and integrity. To this end, Naturist Federation encourages members to:
Engage in partnerships only with organisations that align with naturist values (sustainability, equity, body freedom).
Avoid relationships that risk corporate capture, commodification or dilution of naturism into a commercial trend.
Develop transparent frameworks for partnership evaluation, conflict of interest disclosures and community accountability.
Ensure that collaborations support long-term cultural and ecological wellbeing, not merely short-term profitability.
Partnerships should be mutually beneficial, not financially extractive - and must never come at the expense of safety, ethics or mission.
5.4 Diversity and Pluralism in Representation
The current “one federation per country” rule, inherited from postwar institutional norms, no longer serves the global reality of naturism, nor even is upheld by INF-FNI itself (INF-FNI does not abide by its own statutes). By contrast, human identity is not confined to borders and naturist practice emerges in multiple forms (grassroots, regional, thematic, diasporic, digital etc.)
Naturist Federation affirms the value of pluralism and encourages:
Multiple member entities from the same region or country, each with distinct approaches or communities.
Formation of issue-based or transnational organisations (e.g., feminist naturist networks, Afro-naturist alliances, queer naturist circles).
Cooperation over competition among member entities, recognising differences as strengths.
Membership is not as a privilege granted, but a covenant entered - rooted in shared purpose, not institutional monopolies.
5.5 Reciprocity, Not Centralisation
Naturist Federation does not aim to centralise control or issue decrees. Its role is to coordinate, amplify, and uphold a common ethical horizon. In turn, member entities don’t simply adopt this vision but help to shape it, in a reciprocal relationship:
Naturist Federation offers global advocacy, legitimacy and structural guidance.
Members bring local wisdom, innovation and community grounding.
Together, they co-create a movement that is more than the sum of its parts.
As Epicurus taught, freedom is the fruit of self-sufficiency - but not of isolation. As Kant proposed, peace arises from voluntary federation, not domination. And as Chomsky reminds us, real change comes not from institutions alone, but from shared courage to reject imposed norms.
6. Governance and Membership
… for an INGO, in a Post-National Ethic:
Via translating philosophy into an enduring form, Naturist Federation must adopt a governance structure that is inclusive without being diluted, accountable without being bureaucratic, and global without being imperial. Membership, governance and collaboration must reflect ethical coherence and functional agility.
6.1 Principles of Membership
Naturist Federation shall consist only of institutional members, including but not limited to:
National, regional and municipal government agencies or departments.
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), whether grassroots or internationally scaled.
Academic institutions, research centres or university departments.
Allied social movements, networks or associations aligned with naturist principles.
Other international organisations (INGOs), including reciprocal memberships (e.g. IUCN, WWF, UN-recognised bodies).
This approach allows for interwoven global legitimacy: just as Naturist Federation may join broader ethical or environmental coalitions, it may also welcome such organisations into its own fold, thus strengthening networked advocacy and shared legitimacy.
6.2 Why Natural Persons Are Not Members
Exclusion of individual human beings (“natural persons”) from direct membership is not a denial of participation - it is a philosophical and structural necessity.
Human life is finite, and many individuals, in final phases of life, face cognitive or physical impairments that limit their ability to participate actively or represent others reliably.
Membership-based organisations built on natural persons often encounter administrative burden, factionalism and personality-based governance.
Institutional members offer continuity, accountability and public presence - traits which support long-term planning, legal recognition and cultural influence.
Individuals may engage deeply in naturism (through simple existence, engagement with nature, Zen philosophy, affiliated institutions, cultural projects, collaborative initiatives, etc.) but membership of Naturist Federation must reside in collective entities, not mortal beings.
6.3 Categories of Membership
Membership is categorised according to function and type, in a model inspired by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Category A – Public Institutions
National, regional and local - democratically-elected - governments.
Government departments (for health, culture, tourism, environment, education etc.)
Public bodies with regulatory or policy oversight.
Category B – Civil Society and Nonprofit Organisations
Registered naturist associations and clubs (irrespective of jurisdictional affiliation).
Human rights and environmental NGOs (for INGOs, refer to Category D).
Cooperatives, mutual aid societies and advocacy groups aligned with naturist values.
Category C – Academic and Research Institutions
Universities, faculties and research centres.
Bodies producing scholarship related to naturism, body politics, public health or environmental ethics.
Category D – Allied International Organisations
INGOs with overlapping ethical or strategic aims (e.g. IUCN, WHO, UN-affiliated movements).
Federation-style movements with post-national governance.
Category E – Observer and Partner Organisations
Emerging entities or initiatives that support naturist principles but are not yet structured for full membership
Could include private sector partners under strict ethical review
Each category will have clearly defined rights and responsibilities, tailored voting privileges (where relevant) and channels for participation in collaborative projects, policy development and global campaigns.
6.4 Representation and Advisory Participation
In keeping with equal access to knowledge and cultural pluralism, Naturist Federation shall coordinate through a network of:
Elected representatives from each membership category, forming a Steering Circle.
Thematic advisory councils open to experts, scholars, activists and allies in fields such as:
Public health and wellness;
Environmental design or urban planning;
Legal reform or human rights;
Gender, equity or accessibility;
Philosophy, culture or ethics.
These councils are not hierarchical but consultative and collaborative, offering insight and feedback to guide strategy.
6.5 On “Assembly” in the Age of Digital Presence
In a 20th-century model, “assemblies” typically meant once-annual physical gatherings of delegates, board members or homeowners. But in an age of climate urgency, pandemic memory and digital connectivity, presence need not mean proximity.
Thus, Naturist Federation shall advance notion of “assembly”, as follows:
A seasonal rhythm of online deliberation and co-creation, with equal voting rights amongst humans, cats, dogs and mites.
A living archive of proposals, reflections and shared statements.
An ethos of constant asynchronous engagement, supported by digital tools that foster transparency, translation and inclusion.
Where in-person gatherings occur, they are merely celebratory and strategic - not required for governance, but optionally welcomed as ritual affirmations of collective purpose.
7. Ecosystems 3x3, a Global Movement
Distributed Purpose, Shared Philosophy
Most naturists consider - sometimes, carefully - potential benefits and harms of centralisation and legacy institutions. Rather than maintaining INF-FNI as a static private members’ club, this proposal envisions emergence of three complementary international non-governmental organisations (INGOs), each with a unique mandate, governance model and strategic focus, yet all grounded in philosophical foundations. Together, these three INGOs could form a plural and principled ecosystem, capable of engaging public institutions, civil society, private partners and grassroots communities, not beholden to a single jurisdictional framework. INF-FNI currently exists as a non-profit association in Austria, yet was envisaged in UK and founded in France (when and why did it move?)… Whereas, three complimentary INGOs could be registered in different jurisdictions: providing counterweights, insurance and backup to one another whilst working for overlapping objectives.
7.1 Shared Foundations, Diverse Functions
All founding members of these three INGOs shall affirm a minimal shared foundation, e.g:
“Naturism is a global movement for health, freedom and well-being - unlimited by clothing, gender, body shape, wealth or ornamentation. It affirms bodily dignity, peaceful coexistence and the right to live simply, openly and without fear.”
This is not a creed, but an ethical orientation - open to interpretation and contextualisation, grounded in philosophy, history and praxis. Each INGO will express this orientation in all possible domains of influence.
7.2 Three Institutions
A. Naturist Federation (NF)
Global coordinating and ethical body
Function: A post-national, values-based successor to INF-FNI, offering ethical guidance, membership coordination and symbolic representation of naturism on global virtual stages, regional virtual/physical stages and local physical stages.
Structure: Federated, institutional membership only (see Section 6).
Tone: Reflects Kantian federalism, Epicurean equality, and Chomskyan critique of systems.
Role: Participates in global forums, engages with IUCN, UNESCO, WHO, etc.
Political alignment: Post-partisan, designed for institutional diplomacy and norm-shaping.
B. Body Freedom Alliance (BFA)
Civic rights and cultural resistance network
Function: A membership-based, activist-oriented INGO advocating for bodily rights, legal reform and resistance to body-shaming laws, customs and norms.
Structure: Open to natural persons, collectives, artists, lawyers, scholars and rights defenders.
Tone: Direct, activist, rights-focused - inspired by Amnesty International, Article 19 and Electronic Frontier Foundation.
Role: Coordinates campaigns, legal support, educational resources and political lobbying.
Political alignment: Left-libertarian and grassroots-aligned; but independent of party systems.
C. Naturist Spaces Foundation (NSF)
Public utility foundation for safe naturist environments
Function: A non-profit foundation with capital capacity, devoted to creation and preservation of naturist spaces (public, private, and hybrid).
Structure: Registered in a jurisdiction that permits recognition as a Public Utility Foundation (e.g., Switzerland, the Netherlands, France).
Tone: Professional, credible, environmentalist, cooperative.
Role: Acquires land, builds or funds naturist infrastructure, supports sustainable naturist tourism, urban retreats and ecological sanctuaries.
Political alignment: Broadly centrist, appealing to public-private partnerships and ethical investors.
7.3 Strategic Autonomy and Interoperability
Whilst all three INGOs draw from shared values, they remain structurally autonomous, with:
Separate boards, charters, financial systems and governance.
Distinct legal registrations in different jurisdictions.
Freedom to critique or support one another publicly.
Their visions lie not in uniformity, but in coherence without control. As biodiversity strengthens an ecosystem, institutional diversity strengthens a global movement.
7.4 Strategic Support and Inter-INGO Collaboration
This proposed tripartite structure opens new avenues for collaborations beyond naturism, including:
Membership reciprocity between Naturist Federation and other INGOs (e.g. International Union for Conservation of Nature, International Planned Parenthood Federation and/or Global Ecovillage Network of Europe and/or etc.)
Joint projects with NGOs defending public health, human rights, animal rights, plant rights, amoeba rights and rock rights (excluding viruses).
Co-financing and land protection strategies with allied entities.
Thus, naturism is not a fringe identity but an ethical response, e.g. to issues of:
Body autonomy
Ecological sustainability
Social justice and inclusion
7.5 Ideological Breadth: Beyond Binary
Coexistence of three INGOs would allow naturism to bridge political and cultural divides.
Naturist Federation speaks to institutional partners, legal systems and ethical frameworks.
Body Freedom Alliance aligns with cultural radicals, civil disobedience movements and dissident voices.
Naturist Spaces Foundation engages philanthropists, environmentalists, urban planners and eco-tourism partners.
Together, they offer multiple entry points into naturism - not as monolith, but as a constellation of practice and principle.
8. Afterword
This document gathers ideas about naturism, identity and structure. These ideas are arranged with care, in a particular order, and shaped by a set of ethical commitments that may be recognised in various cultures. Some terms (e.g. federation, freedom, body, dignity) have long histories. Word meanings shift depending on who uses them, and for what purpose. All proposals are part of a wider conversation made possible by earlier efforts in different places, under different names. Language and structure are considered here as instruments: useful and imperfect, yet subject to revision.
No conclusions are offered; ideas may be revisited or left aside.
Generated by so-called Artificial “Intelligence” without edits:
🌿 Reimagining Future of Naturism 🌿
From INF-FNI to a New Global Movement
✨ A Time for Transformation
For decades, the International Naturist Federation (INF-FNI) has served as the central institution for the global naturist community. Yet, despite its long-standing presence, it seems often entangled in internal debates—particularly around membership categories and the financial implications of who pays what.
At its biennial congresses, adjustments of membership structures to maximise income, rather than how to strengthen naturist advocacy, expand rights, or support inclusive spaces. For a registered non-profit organisation, this preoccupation with revenue raises deeper ethical questions about mission, purpose and accountability.
🕊️ Letting Go of "International"
We believe the time has come to make a profound symbolic and structural change:
Remove the word "International" from the federation’s name.
Why? Because naturism transcends borders. It speaks to universal values of body freedom, personal dignity, sustainability, and peace—values that belong to no single nation and owe allegiance to no flag.
Shedding the label of “international” aligns us with the timeless ideals of:
Epicurus, who imagined a life of natural simplicity free from political coercion,
Immanuel Kant, who envisioned a peaceful federation of peoples beyond nation-states,
Noam Chomsky, who critiques nationalism as a barrier to global solidarity and democracy.
In leaving behind the archaic framing of nationalism and territory, naturism can finally embrace its true identity: a movement for universal liberty and personal sovereignty.
🧭 A New Structure: Inspired by IUCN
The future calls for a bold reorganization. Rather than centering on individuals and national federations alone, we envision a global naturist body modeled on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)—a respected and influential institution.
Proposed Membership Structure:
Government Agencies supporting public health, human rights, or sustainable tourism
National & International Civil Society Organizations, naturist or allied
Academic & Research Institutions working on body image, wellness, environment
Observers & Partners, such as UN agencies, human rights defenders, etc.
✋ Individual membership would be discontinued, shifting from a fee-based model to one centered on credibility, coalition-building, and global engagement.
🌍 A Broader Ecosystem: Two New INGOs for Naturism
We also propose creating two complementary global organizations to serve the wider naturist cause, each in a distinct jurisdiction:
1. Global Body Freedom Alliance (GBFA)
Jurisdiction: United Kingdom or Canada
Modeled after Amnesty International, this INGO would:
Defend the right to bodily autonomy
Advocate for anti-discrimination laws
Support naturists facing persecution or legal barriers
2. Naturist Spaces Foundation (NSF)
Jurisdiction: Switzerland or the Netherlands
Structured as a Public Utility Foundation, NSF would:
Acquire, protect, and develop safe naturist spaces
Fund eco-conscious resorts, beaches, and urban naturist zones
Operate like a "Nature Conservancy for naturism"
Together, these organizations would build a three-pillar foundation for the future:
Policy and representation
Rights and advocacy
Space and infrastructure
🌱 Toward a Free, Open, and Peaceful Future
Naturism is more than a lifestyle—it is a philosophical stance rooted in freedom, equality, and our shared humanity. By letting go of old models and embracing a global ethic, we can step into a future worthy of the movement’s ideals.
Let us evolve—not just in name, but in spirit.
Let us build a movement that reflects the dignity of every body, the unity of all peoples, and the freedom to be wholly ourselves.