Extinction Accounting for De-extinction and Rewilding: Tokenising Tauros

This study uses a documentary analysis of reports and online resources to explore the financing of and accounting for rewilding and de-extinction, with a specific focus on the de-extinction of the auroch, the creation of auroch 2.0 (Tauros) and its rewilding. In effect the study analyses forms of extinction accounting that relate to rewilding and de-extinction. The paper seeks to contribute to several areas of the academic accounting and finance literature, namely: environmental and ecological accounting; biodiversity and extinction accounting; extinction finance; fintech research, and; emancipatory accounting theory. The aims of this paper are threefold. Firstly, we aim to explore the evolution of extinction accounting and extinction finance in the areas of rewilding and de-extinction of species, with a specific focus on the de-extinction and rewilding of the auroch. Second, the paper explores the linkages between extinction accounting and extinction finance in the context of the newly evolving forms of Nature Fintech specifically in relation to the creation of Tauros Tokens, a new form of crypto utility asset. Thirdly, we discuss the potential for extinction accounting relating to these tokens to be emancipatory or to become embroiled in impression management and greenwashing. The accounting for crypto utility assets especially in the nature restoration field, is in its infancy. We explore this potentiality for this new form of accounting in detail in relation to the latest guidelines from the accounting bodies worldwide.

https://profiles.cardiff.ac.uk/staff/atkinsj10