Posted on November 8, 2025
As the world prepares for the twenty-eighth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Belém, Brazil, the global community is once again called upon to confront the climate crisis and seek solutions for a sustainable future. The travel and tourism sector, which has long been criticized for its contribution to environmental degradation, is facing increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices. In response, the Dodo4Kids Initiative, a forward-thinking education program launched by SUNx Malta, is taking an innovative approach to tackling this pressing issue. By focusing on children, Dodo4Kids seeks to inspire the next generation to make climate-friendly decisions, especially in the context of travel. Through a combination of creative storytelling, educational content and global partnerships, this program lays the foundation for a more sustainable and climate-resilient travel industry.
The growing need for climate-conscious travel
The tourism industry is undoubtedly one of the largest and fastest growing sectors of the global economy. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international tourism generated revenues of more than $1.7 trillion in 2019 alone. However, the environmental impact of this growth has also been significant, with travel contributing around 8% of global carbon emissions. From transportation to waste management, the tourism industry has long been associated with environmental damage. As climate change accelerates, many of the world’s most popular tourist destinations are now at risk due to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and habitat loss.
In light of these challenges, there is a growing recognition that the travel and tourism industry must evolve. Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword, it is a necessity. As the world moves towards a more climate-conscious future, it is essential to integrate sustainability into tourism practices, to ensure that future generations are able to enjoy the world’s natural and cultural wonders without compromising their conservation.
Dodo4Kids: Software with a purpose
Dodo4Kids was designed as part of SUNx Malta’s “Education 2 Action” programme, an initiative designed to engage the next generation in climate action through education and awareness. The show’s central character, the strange, anthropomorphic dodo, serves as a reminder of humanity’s past mistakes and a symbol of hope for a sustainable future. Extinct due to human activity, the dodo represents the urgent need for change in how we interact with the planet. Through Dodo World Adventures, children learn important lessons about climate change and the importance of sustainable travel practices.
What makes Dodo4Kids unique is its ability to convey complex environmental issues in a fun and engaging way for children. The program uses a variety of educational tools, including books, animations and interactive activities, to attract children’s attention while promoting a sense of responsibility towards the environment. By using the Dodo character to navigate these learning experiences, the program helps children understand the urgency of climate action and the power they have as decision-makers of the future.
A global call for partnerships in sustainable travel
While Dodo4Kids is an educational tool aimed at children, it also serves as a call to action in the global travel and tourism industry. Recognizing the need for the tourism sector to play a central role in tackling the climate crisis, SUNx Malta calls on travel companies and tourism organizations to partner with the initiative. By aligning with Dodo4Kids, these organizations can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility while also contributing to the educational efforts that will shape the future of travel.
A partnership with the Travel Foundation, a prominent charity dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism practices, expands the reach of the Dodo4Kids program. This collaboration is vital, as it allows the initiative to leverage the resources and networks of leading industry stakeholders, furthering its mission to inspire change within the travel and tourism sector.
As world leaders prepare for COP28 and discuss next steps to achieve international climate goals, the collaboration between SUNx Malta and the Travel Foundation underscores the importance of engaging the private sector in achieving these goals. The private sector, including travel and tourism, must take responsibility for its environmental impact and work to create a more sustainable future. By participating in initiatives like Dodo4Kids, companies can play a critical role in shifting the mindset of future travelers and industry leaders towards more sustainable practices.
Focus on Education: Empowering the Next Generation
Dodo4Kids’ main focus is to provide young people with the knowledge and skills they need to make responsible and informed decisions about travel and the environment. Education is key to promoting long-term change, and Dodo4Kids recognizes that engaging children at an early age is essential to instill values that will shape their future behaviour.
The program’s fun and interactive approach ensures that children not only learn about climate change and sustainability, but also actively participate in the process. Through stories, activities and games, children are encouraged to explore the concepts of sustainable travel, conservation and climate resilience. These experiences are designed to leave a lasting impact, fostering a deep sense of environmental stewardship that will stay with them as they grow into future youth and decision-makers.
Furthermore, Dodo4Kids aims to inspire a sense of hope in children. The dodo, although a symbol of extinction, also represents the possibility of rebirth and renewal. By focusing on solutions and actions, the program encourages children to see themselves as agents of change who can contribute to building a more sustainable world. This hopeful message is crucial, because it motivates children to take an active role in shaping a future that prioritizes the health of the planet.
Bridging the gap: linking education to work
Dodo4Kids is not just about imparting knowledge; It is also about inspiring work. As part of the Education 2 Action programme, Dodo4Kids encourages children to take what they have learned and apply it to their own lives. Whether by making more sustainable travel choices, reducing waste, or advocating for climate-friendly policies, the program empowers children to become active participants in the fight against climate change.
The program’s hands-on activities and projects give children the opportunity to make a tangible impact, even at an early age. By fostering a sense of agency and responsibility, Dodo4Kids helps children understand that their actions matter and that they can make a difference in the world. This empowerment is essential to create a generation of young people who not only recognize the challenges ahead, but are also motivated to take steps toward solving them.
The role of tourism in climate action
Tourism plays a strong role in the fight against climate change. As one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing industries, it has the potential to exacerbate environmental problems or create positive change. Sustainable tourism practices, such as reducing carbon emissions, supporting local communities, and conserving natural resources, are essential to mitigate the impact of travel on the environment.
Dodo4Kids understands that sustainable travel should be a priority for future generations. By teaching children climate-friendly travel practices, the program encourages them to think critically about their travel choices and their impact on the environment. Whether it’s choosing eco-friendly accommodation, supporting local conservation efforts, or traveling in more sustainable ways, the program empowers children to make choices that contribute to a more sustainable future for all.
Looking to the future: Building a better future for travel
The Dodo4Kids initiative represents more than just an educational program – it is part of a larger movement to create a more sustainable, resilient and responsible travel industry. As the world faces the unprecedented challenges of climate change, it is clear that the tourism sector must evolve to meet the demands of a changing planet. Dodo4Kids is helping to shape the next generation of travelers who will lead this transformation.
By focusing on education, partnerships and action, Dodo4Kids is laying the foundation for a future where climate-friendly travel is the norm, not the exception. With the support of global partners, travel companies and young learners, this initiative has the power to create lasting change that benefits people and planet. As the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) approaches and world leaders gather to discuss climate solutions, Dodo4Kids offers a powerful reminder that the fight for a sustainable future starts with the choices we make today – and that the next generation will be at the forefront of this vital effort.
