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Call for proposals – Author for study on EU nature credits policy

Tenders

About us

The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, a nationally and internationally active German political foundation, is committed to the thoughts and actions of its namesake, the socialist Rosa Luxemburg: We are committed to peace, democracy, social justice and democratic socialism.

The project

The Brussels office of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation is looking for an author for a short study on EU policy proposals for nature credits and the risks they pose.

The European Commission’s nature credits and biodiversity certification plans remain in its early stages, but some elements – such as using public funds for derisking corporate investments in nature-credit-generating projects, greenwashing dirty and harmful activities, and ambiguous pilot projects – already raise concerns that call for close scrutiny.

The goal of this short study is to draw on existing critiques and materials covering issues with regard to nature and biodiversity credits in order to critically examine EU policy proposals. In effect, this study aims to enable left-wing decision-makers to support a well-founded EU policy for nature and biodiversity protection within the current political context, addressing the underlying causes of biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. The published study will be endorsed by civilsociety organisations contributing to its review and/or providing relevant information.

Specific questions

Based on a literature study, if necessary supplemented by personal interviews with academics and political decision-makers in this area, the following specific questions should be answered:

1) What are the newly proposed EU-level nature credits and biodiversity certificates?
a. What are nature credits and biodiversity certificates, and why are they being advanced at this time?
b. How do these plans relate to the broader EU policy framework, such as Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Regulation, carbon credits, and the Nature Restoration Law?
c. What nature credit schemes currently exist in European countries and at the international level and what can we already learn from them?

2) What are the key issues regarding the EU nature credits proposal?
a. What are the potential consequences of the EU’s nature credits policy – linked with offsetting, the commodification of nature, greenwashing, impacts on agriculture, and a distraction from traditional environmental regulation?
b. Is there evidence indicating that nature credit markets are not a viable solution?

3) What are the pilot projects, and what is their current state (e.g., in Estonia, France, and Peru)? Are there any risks or issues associated with these projects?

4) What solutions are needed to protect biodiversity and nature?
a. How do EU austerity policies affect biodiversity and nature restoration goals? What are the negative consequences of neglecting needed public investment in proven solutions that should be emphasized in public discourse?
b. What left-wing approaches could challenge the current market-based framework for nature and climate action?

Your profile

  • Very good knowledge of climate, nature and/or biodiversity policy developments, debates and concepts over the past years in Europe and globally; (30%)
  • Very good knowledge of climate, nature and/or biodiversity policy discourses from the left-wing perspective; (30%)
  • Proven experience in writing studies, analyses and articles on the above-mentioned policy issues; (20%)
  • Proven experience as a researcher, author, journalist or comparable occupation. (20%)

Our requirements

  • Compilation of a short study along the lines of the questions listed above;
  • Length of the short study: Maximum 55,000 characters (without spaces), or approximately 15-20 pages;
  • A maximum two-page summary for political decision-makers;
  • Submission of the study: 20 August 2025;
  • Submission of the final text after a round of comments: 14 September 2025.

What we offer

  • A work contract with the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation;
  • A total remuneration of 4000 euros (net).

Application process

Please send your application (incl. writing samples) in English language by e-mail (applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis) by 7 July 2025, 18:00 (CET) the latest to:

Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, Brussels Office

Alexandra Gerasimcikova, Project Manager

vasb.oehrffry@ebfnyhk.bet and n.trenfvzpvxbin@ebfnyhk.bet;

If you have any questions about the call for applications, please contact Alexandra Gerasimcikova.

RLS – Nature credits study – call for proposalsPDF file (291,46 KB)

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