EDWA Responsible Travel (EDWART) Challenge 2026

EDWART (or EDWARD – spelling has never been his strongest hoof) is a free-spirited, earth-loving, yellow reindeer. Born in captivity in France in 2017, he soon began to long for his freedom in the wilds of Europe. Since then, EDWART has explored parts of Europe on behalf of EWDA as a mascot for sustainable travel, inspiring participants to choose environment-friendly, responsible ways of travelling to our events.

After visiting us all in Stralsund in 2024, EDWART spent few years with the Swedish Veterinary Agency, where he happily settled in for a while. He enthusiastically oversaw their activities, while still finding time for some fun; from ice-skating to celebrating the very important Swedish’s Kanelbullens dag or National Cinnamon Bun Day (of course with plenty of buns!)

But after two years in Sweden, EDWART’s hooves have grown restless once again. Ready to mingle with other wildlife across Europe, he is now keen to head south and visit Serbia for the 2026 conference. There, EDWART looks forward to meeting those of you who would like to showcase your sustainable way of travelling to Serbia — and he is especially excited for the winner of the challenge, whom he hopes will take him along to their own country next.

So, for the 2026 Conference in Serbia, EDWART warmly invites you to take part in the fourth EDWART Responsible Travel Challenge.

How do I take part?

1. Choose your journey wisely!

Pick the most sustainable mode of transport you can imagine to reach the conference. EDWART is very particular about your hoofprints per kilometre!

• Focus mainly on your mode of transport to the conference in Serbia
• You can use tools, such as https://greentripper.org/en, to help with your hoofprint (CO2) calculations

2. After sustainability comes creativity…

• You get bonus points if your journey involves creativity
• This can be related to your mode of transport, your food choices along the way, what your decided to wear or any wildlife or scenic routes you see along the way
• In other words, think about the details for extra credits!

3. Enjoy the ride! EDWART insists! 😉

4. Create a visual report on ONE PowerPoint slide

• Send it to: ewdaresponsibletravel@gmail.com.
• Include your name(s), country of origin, mode of transportation and distance travelled
• EDWART loves joy, so do not forget point 2!

5. EDWART, together with his trusted Sustainability Committee, will choose the winner(s) during the closing ceremony of the 2026 conference!

6. The winner will have the pleasure of welcoming EDWART to their country and hosting* him until the next Responsible Travel Challenge!

*He deflates for travel purposes, so he is guaranteed to fit any adventure!