Our Mission

The fundamental purpose of IYNF is to build and sustain an international network that connects and inspires Young Naturefriends. Through this network, IYNF promotes ways of living and acting based on respect, solidarity, equality, sustainability, and a sense of care for nature.  

IYNF understands itself as a space for international cooperation, political engagement, and non-formal education, where young people actively contribute to social and ecological transformation in line with these shared values. 

Fundamental Values 

The fundamental values of IYNF are expressed through three interconnected colour groups, reflecting the organisation´s historical roots, political commitments and educational approaches.  

Red:  Social Justice and Solidarity  

The red colour represents values of solidarity, social justice, democracy, peace, human rights and diversity. These values are rooted in the historical connection of the Naturefriends movement to the working-class movement and its challenges for social equality and democratic participation. 

Green: Nature, Sustainability and Climate Justice 

The green colour stands for love and care for nature, direct experience in and with nature, environmental education, sustainability and combating climate change. IYNF emphasises that social and environmental justice are inseparable. 

IYNF believes that the red and green values are inherently linked and must be cultivated together in order to achieve meaningful socio-ecological transformation. 

Blue: Youth Participation and Education 

Blue, the most recent of our colours, emerged in the early 1970s when youth work became an integral part of the Naturefriends movement. It represents youth participation, personal development and enhancement of competences through non-formal education. 

Blue reflects IYNF´s commitment to youth-led structures, non-formal education and empowering young people to take responsibility within democratic and international contexts.