Introduction
The 2024 International Naturist Federation (INF) Congress recently convened in the idyllic town of Zipolite, Oaxaca, Mexico, running from 16-19th October. Known for its vibrant naturist community and the only legal public nude beach in Mexico, Zipolite provided a fitting venue for naturists and organizational leaders worldwide to gather and discuss the future of naturism. The Congress focused on critical decisions around leadership, policy adaptations, event planning, and technological advancements, each impacting the global naturist movement. This article explores the most significant resolutions and voting outcomes from the congress, highlighting the evolving direction of naturism and the INF’s commitment to inclusivity, community, and organizational growth.
Zipolite – The Venue and Its Importance
Zipolite has long held a central place in naturist culture in Mexico. Zipolite is a nearly pristine beach about forty metres wide and two kilometres long, with medium grain gold coloured sand. The water is clear with tones of blue and green.
The beach’s allure dates back to the 1970s, this is especially the case after the solar eclipse in 1969 that marked the beginning of it. Since then Zipolite has retained much of its countercultural spirit while fostering a naturist-friendly environment. The beach is popular with foreign tourists, especially backpackers, who stay in one of the many rustic cabins or camping spaces that line the beach. The locals refer to this place as the “Beach of the Dead”: although it is very popular and close to many attractive resorts, it is also the deadliest beach in Mexico, taking around 50 swimmers every year due to its heavy current.
As Mexico’s only officially recognized nude beach, Zipolite is both an international symbol of naturist freedom and a reminder of the community’s dedication to preservation. For the INF Congress, Zipolite’s storied backdrop inspired discussions around inclusivity, environmental respect, and community-building within the naturist movement.
Election Highlights
Elections formed a pivotal part of the Congress, reaffirming the INF’s leadership team and introducing new roles to address contemporary challenges. The results are listed as follows:
· Stéphane Deschenes was re-elected as INF President, a decision widely supported given his dedication to naturist advocacy and commitment to organizational growth.
· Dominique Dufour was re-elected as Vice President-Treasurer, continuing his role in overseeing INF’s finances and budgeting priorities.
· Héctor Martínez was introduced in the newly created role of Communications Officer, a position aimed at promoting naturism’s public image and managing outreach efforts. This role merges prior responsibilities in naturist protection and social media, highlighting INF’s strategic emphasis on transparency and public engagement.
Key Resolutions and Votes
The Congress addressed a range of proposals that will shape the INF’s approach to regional representation, funding, and governance.
1. Membership & Voting Rights Adjustments
One major area of discussion revolved around European federations’ participation in INF activities. A Dutch-led motion proposed offering European federations the option to participate selectively in EuNat, the regional INF committee, rather than mandating their involvement. This proposal intended to grant more autonomy to regional federations while keeping them within the broader INF framework. However, this motion was met with significant opposition, receiving only 38 votes in favor, while 99 were against, ultimately leading to its rejection.
2. Regional Event Funding
In another significant vote, the Congress decided to grant a €4,000 subsidy for the Southern European Naturist Gathering, a long-standing event relocated from El Portús to Costa Natura in Spain. The vote tally of 67 in favor and 42 against the motion, underscored ongoing debates within the INF over funding priorities. Some members voiced a preference to allocate funds to newer events to foster growth within the naturist community. Still, the subsidy approval signaled the organization’s dedication to supporting established gatherings that unite naturists from various regions.
3. Revised Statutes for Regional Meetings
The Congress also passed a motion to formalize EuNat as an INF subcommittee, establishing a direct governance structure between regional European activities and the INF. This resolution aligns with the INF’s strategy to streamline coordination and ensure consistency across regional chapters. The EuNat Chair will now serve as the European Assessor, bringing regional representation directly to the INF’s decision-making table.
Key Project Approvals and Initiatives
Beyond governance, the Congress approved several new initiatives and projects designed to support youth engagement, promote body positivity, and modernize membership practices.
1. Youth & Inclusivity Initiatives
The European Youth event, which draws young naturists from across Europe, will now be rebranded as the “International Youth Event.” This change reflects an intention to foster broader inclusivity within the naturist community and welcomes participants from around the world to join.
James Shuttleworth was re-elected as the World Youth Officer, leading future initiatives to make naturism accessible and relevant to the younger generation.
2. Body Positivity Campaign
Another critical project approved during the Congress was a photographic body positivity campaign, which received a €5,000 subsidy. Scheduled to culminate on World Naturist Day, this campaign aims to promote self-acceptance, challenge societal standards, and encourage diversity. The project is expected to raise awareness of naturism as an inclusive movement that values each individual’s unique body.
3. Transition to QR Code Membership Stamps
Reflecting the INF’s commitment to modernisation, the Congress announced a plan to transition from traditional paper membership stamps to QR-coded stamps by 2025. This update will enhance data security and provide a more efficient way for federations to verify memberships. Members will have the option to use the QR code system, making membership tracking both simpler and more secure.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead to 2026
The 2024 INF Congress in Zipolite marks a turning point for the global naturist community, as resolutions from this meeting will shape the future of INF activities, membership, and governance. From solidifying leadership and enhancing the communication structure to expanding inclusivity and funding innovative projects, this Congress set the stage for a responsive and progressive INF. The 2026 World Congress in Kecskemét, Hungary, promises to build on these achievements, with discussions already anticipated around digitalization, youth involvement, and global collaboration.
As INF moves forward, the collective goal remains clear: to promote naturism as an inclusive and harmonious lifestyle choice that celebrates the diversity of human experience. The 2024 Congress has underscored the importance of cooperation, transparency, and adaptability within the naturist movement, ensuring a vibrant future for the community.
