Naturist Spaces Foundation
Rooted in History and Equity
Introduction: Returning to Modern Roots
In early 1950s, in shadow of Second World War, a movement for peace, internationalism, and bodily freedom began to take structured form. It was during this period that foundations were laid for what would become International Naturist Federation (INF-FNI). The motivations were clear: to foster international solidarity, peace between peoples, and reconnection with nature and the body after the devastation of war.
One of the most iconic achievements of this era was the founding of CHM Montalivet, envisioned as a non-commercial sanctuary for naturists — a community created not for profit, but for healing, unity and equality. It was a living embodiment of naturist values: individual freedom, political equality, reciprocal respect and kindness toward animals and nature. Its founding was supported by a vehicle of solidarity financing: Society for the Financing of Naturist Centres (SOC-NAT).
The very name "Society for the Financing of Naturist Centres" speaks volumes. SOC-NAT was born to facilitate the non-profit acquisition and management of land and infrastructure in service of naturist communities. Its Article 2 makes this mission explicit:
"The society shall aim to acquire, manage, or lease — with or without an option to buy — any land, properties, buildings, businesses, or other assets necessary for the creation and operation of clubs, centres and organisations whose principal activities are related to naturism, ..."
From this origin, the ethic was clear: Naturist land should serve people, not profit.
Problem: Drift from Founding Purpose
During seven decades, SOC-NAT has drifted dangerously away from this original purpose. Its current legal and operational form resembles a private investment vehicle more than a public-interest entity. It enables and protects a flow of resources and ownership into hands of private equity firms who extract wealth for profit — rather than reinvesting it in the wellbeing of naturist communities, the environment, or the public good.
This represents a betrayal of its founding mission. It also contradicts the spirit in which CHM Montalivet and similar projects were established: as places of renewal, healing and equity in a post-war world seeking peace.
The result is not only economic injustice — as access to land and community spaces becomes increasingly commodified — but also spiritual loss. The naturist vision of shared simplicity and bodily honesty has been compromised by market logic.
A Proposal: Naturist Spaces Foundation
In response, creation of a new international non-profit body is proposed: Naturist Spaces Foundation. Inspired directly by the original vision of SOC-NAT and Article 2 of its statutes, the Foundation will reclaim and modernise its purpose:
To acquire, manage and protect land and infrastructure for use by naturist communities, families and individuals — without private profit.
To offer leasing, shared stewardship or resale of such spaces under transparent and ethical conditions that prioritise public benefit.
To co-invest or hold stakes in aligned ventures where public mission can be guaranteed.
To provide subsidised access to land and holidays for disadvantaged or marginalised groups.
To honour the founding internationalist spirit of INF-FNI by ensuring that naturist spaces are not owned by capital, but held in trust for humanity.
This is not just a new organisation. It is a restoration of naturism’s ethical core — a recognition that freedom of the body is only possible where land is free from exploitation.
Let’s return to roots: build something lasting, honest and free.