In a twist that feels straight out of a sci-fi novel, the moon has been officially added to a list of threatened heritage sites, thanks to looming threats of looting and damage from commercial lunar missions.
For the first time, the World Monuments Fund (WMF), known for safeguarding Earth’s most vulnerable cultural treasures, has turned its gaze skyward.
Experts are raising concerns with plans for private trips following NASA’s Artemis III mission in 2027 and increasing government-funded lunar activities.
They fear humanity’s first extraterrestrial artifacts—like Neil Armstrong’s iconic footprints—could be irreparably disturbed.
What Else is Included in The List?
“The moon is a testament to humanity’s first steps beyond Earth,” said WMF president Bénédicte de Montlaur.
“We urgently need international strategies to preserve this shared history for future generations.”
This year’s WMF watchlist isn’t just celestial.
The list features earthquake-ravaged Antakya in Turkey, Japan’s Noto Peninsula, and Africa’s Swahili Coast.
These sites are grappling with war, climate change, and unsustainable tourism challenges.
