A bird is seen in front of the full moon as it rises over Zurich, Switzerland, on Friday, November 15, 2024. AP Photo
For the first time ever, a site beyond Earth’s surface has been listed as vulnerable by the World Monuments Fund, an organization that annually highlights 25 heritage sites at risk. In 2025, the Moon has been added to this prestigious list due to the increasing activities in space, which threaten to disrupt the preservation of historic lunar sites.
The Moon hosts over 90 key locations tied to humanity’s early exploration, including the iconic Tranquility Base, where the first humans set foot on the lunar surface during the Apollo 11 mission. This site, in particular, holds numerous valuable artifacts, such as Neil Armstrong’s famous boot print and over 100 items left behind during the historic mission.
According to Bénédicte de Montlaur, President and CEO of the World Monuments Fund, "For the first time, the Moon is included on the Watch to reflect the urgent need to recognize and preserve the artifacts that testify to humanity’s first steps beyond Earth—a defining moment in our shared history." These items, including a camera that recorded the famous moon landing and a memorial disk left by Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, are part of a legacy that could be endangered as lunar exploration intensifies.
While these historic sites have stood as symbols of human achievement for over five decades, they are now at risk due to the increasing number of lunar missions and activities. The Fund points out that these artifacts face mounting dangers because of a lack of preservation measures in the ongoing rush of space exploration. Without adequate protocols for their protection, these historical treasures could be lost or damaged as the Moon becomes a more frequented destination for astronauts and robotic missions.
The inclusion of the Moon on the Watch list highlights the need for a more cooperative and proactive approach to protecting cultural heritage, not just on Earth but in outer space. “The inclusion of the Moon underscores the universal need for proactive and cooperative strategies to protect heritage—whether on Earth or beyond—that reflect and safeguard our collective narrative,” said de Montlaur. She stressed that the Moon’s legacy is not just for one nation or group, but for all of humanity.
Since the World Monuments Fund started its Watch list in 1996, it has helped protect numerous sites worldwide. Over $120 million has been allocated to preservation projects at almost 350 listed locations, while the increased attention has generated an additional $300 million in funding. The Fund’s work helps ensure that significant cultural and historical sites receive the care and preservation they need for future generations.
In addition to the Moon, other heritage sites are facing severe challenges. Some, like Gaza’s historic urban areas, are at risk due to the ongoing conflict in the region. The war in Gaza has caused extensive damage to its historic mosques, churches, and buildings, while Kyiv’s Teacher’s House, a former legislative building in Ukraine’s capital, is another example of a site affected by the impacts of war. Both these locations, along with the Moon, are part of the 2025 Watch list.
