Moon Designated as Threatened Cultural Heritage Site for First Time

The World Monuments Fund has added the Moon to its 2025 Watch List, citing risks from increased space exploration and tourism.

The World Monuments Fund's 2025 Watch List includes the Moon, marking the first time a site beyond Earth has been recognized for its cultural significance.
Tranquility Base, the Apollo 11 landing site, and over 90 other lunar locations are identified as at risk due to potential damage from space tourism, mining, and commercial exploration.
Artifacts such as Neil Armstrong’s footprint, lunar landers, and commemorative items are highlighted as unique symbols of human achievement that require preservation.
The inclusion aims to encourage international cooperation and frameworks to protect lunar heritage, similar to protections for Antarctic historic sites.
The Watch List also features 24 Earth-based sites facing threats from conflict, climate change, natural disasters, and over-tourism, including locations in Gaza, Ukraine, and Turkey.