On January 16, 2025, the Moon was included for the first time in the annual list of cultural heritage sites at risk, according to a press release from the World Monuments Fund.
The organization noted that this inclusion aims to preserve artifacts that represent humanity's first steps beyond Earth. Benedict de Montlaur, the Fund's CEO, warned of the potential loss of evidence from the Moon landings due to increasing human activities in space.
Among the significant items at risk are the camera that recorded the Apollo 11 landing and a silicon disk containing messages from world leaders. The list also features other historic sites, including Gazan architecture and ancient road systems in the Andes.
The World Monuments Fund reported that over 90 important lunar sites could be damaged without immediate regulation of space tourism. The new space race may exacerbate issues related to space debris and expand tourism beyond Earth.
Concerns focus on the Apollo 11 landing site, Tranquility Base, and the Soviet Luna rover, which has been on the Moon for 50 years. Recently, SpaceX delivered 25 miniature stainless steel sculptures by artist Jeff Koons to the lunar surface.
In the past five years, 52 countries have signed the Artemis Accords, which outline principles for preserving space heritage, including robotic landing sites and artifacts. However, progress on a binding United Nations agreement to protect lunar objects has stalled.
Experts caution that derelict satellites could also pose a risk to the Moon, as there is no atmosphere to incinerate them upon re-entry. The challenge of preserving lunar heritage is complicated by the fact that such matters are typically managed by individual nations. De Montlaur emphasized the urgency of organizing efforts to protect the Moon as human activity in space increases.
She stated, 'The Moon belongs to no one; it is a symbol of hope and the future.'