The World Monuments Fund has announced that Earth's moon is now recognized as a historical preservation site, joining 25 new locations on their 2025 World Monuments Watch. This initiative aims to safeguard humanity's lunar legacy, which includes significant artifacts from both robotic and human exploration.
The lunar surface features numerous historical sites, such as the Apollo 11 landing site in the Sea of Tranquility, where humans first left footprints on the moon in 1969. The 2025 Watch includes cultural heritage sites from 29 countries facing various challenges, emphasizing the need for preservation efforts across the globe.
Bénédicte de Montlaur, president and CEO of the World Monuments Fund, stated that the inclusion of the moon reflects the urgent need to recognize and protect artifacts that mark humanity's initial steps beyond Earth. Notable items include the TV camera that transmitted Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin's first steps and a memorial disk left by the Apollo 11 astronauts.
Experts warn that these artifacts are at risk due to increasing lunar activities without sufficient preservation protocols. Beth O'Leary, an anthropology professor and member of the International Council on Monuments and Sites, emphasized the importance of a cooperative approach to protect lunar heritage.
O'Leary noted that the moon's cultural resources, while currently preserved by their remoteness, are increasingly vulnerable to damage from national and commercial space activities. The World Monuments Watch aims to foster global collaboration to ensure the protection of the moon's cultural and scientific legacy.