The World Monuments Fund warns of the urgent need to preserve over 90 lunar historic sites, including the iconic footprint of Neil Armstrong, in light of increasing space activities.

In a historic milestone, the Moon was officially included on the 2025 Watch List, compiled by the World Monuments Fund (WMF), one of the most renowned international organizations dedicated to the preservation of historic heritage. This is the first time a site outside Earth has been included on this list, highlighting growing concerns over the impacts of space exploration and the need to safeguard landmarks that symbolize the beginning of human presence in the cosmos.

The decision reflects the start of a new space era, in which the intensification of lunar exploration activities, both by government agencies and private companies, presents real risks to sites of great historical importance. The Moon, in addition to being Earth’s natural satellite, hosts over 90 historical sites directly related to humanity’s first steps beyond the planet. Among these sites is the Apollo 11 landing point in 1969, which preserves not only Neil Armstrong’s famous footprint but also over 100 artifacts left by the mission crew, including tools, scientific instruments, and symbolic items.

According to the WMF statement, the inclusion of the Moon on the list aims to draw international attention to the need for coordinated actions to protect these artifacts and historical sites. The organization’s president and CEO, Bénédicte de Montlaur, emphasized the significance of this decision, stating that it underscores the value of these landmarks in the shared narrative of humanity.

“The Moon has been included in the Watch 2025 to reflect the urgent need to recognize and preserve the artifacts that witness humanity’s first steps off Earth — a decisive moment in our shared history,” said Montlaur. Among the most relevant objects preserved at the Apollo 11 landing site are the camera that captured the historic lunar landing broadcast to billions of people worldwide, a memorial disc left by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin containing messages from global leaders, as well as scientific instruments used to collect information about the lunar soil.

Montlaur further highlighted that the growing interest in lunar missions, such as NASA’s future initiatives through the Artemis program and private companies like SpaceX, increases the risks to these historical sites. “We’ve accelerated lunar exploration without clear preservation protocols, which could permanently jeopardize these sites. The inclusion of the Moon emphasizes the universal need for proactive and cooperative strategies to protect heritage, whether terrestrial or extraterrestrial,” she added.

Since its creation in 1996, the Watch List has played a crucial role in raising awareness and preserving endangered historical heritage sites worldwide. With over 350 sites highlighted over the years, the initiative has raised more than $120 million for restoration and conservation projects, while the visibility provided by the program has generated about $300 million in additional investments.

The inclusion of the Moon marks a new chapter for the WMF, expanding its mission beyond Earth’s borders. Until now, the Watch List has focused on sites like historical monuments, cultural landscapes, and urban structures threatened by factors such as climate change, armed conflicts, natural disasters, and uncontrolled tourism. By including an extraterrestrial site, the organization reinforces the idea that human heritage transcends Earth’s physical space, and new challenges must be faced in a global and now interplanetary context.

While the inclusion of the Moon has generated widespread attention, the 2025 Watch List also highlighted terrestrial sites facing alarming challenges. Among them are:

• Historical Urban Fabric of Gaza, Palestine: This site, known for its rich cultural heritage, was severely damaged by recent conflicts between Israel and Palestine. Mosques, churches, and other historical buildings suffered significant destruction, alongside the devastating humanitarian impact on the local population.
• House of Teachers in Kyiv, Ukraine: An important historical landmark in the Ukrainian capital, the House of Teachers was severely affected by the war between Russia and Ukraine. The site symbolizes the irreparable damage armed conflicts cause to cultural heritage and national identity.
• Ravenna, Italy: This significant cultural site, known for its Byzantine mosaics and historic architecture, faces increasing threats from climate change, especially due to rising sea levels and the growing frequency of floods.

These examples reflect the diversity of challenges faced by cultural heritage worldwide and underscore the need for global initiatives that integrate governmental, private, and community efforts.

The inclusion of the Moon on the 2025 Watch List also sparks discussions on how to regulate and protect cultural heritage beyond Earth. Currently, there are no specific international standards for the preservation of extraterrestrial sites. Nevertheless, experts argue that international treaties, such as the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits territorial claims on the Moon, could serve as a foundation for future lunar heritage protection laws.

With the advancement of space technologies and the increasing number of planned missions, the pressure to find ethical and sustainable solutions becomes ever more evident. The Moon, as a witness to humanity’s first steps into space, now joins a select group of sites whose preservation is essential for the continued telling of human history in all its fullness.

The 2025 Watch List is not only a reminder of what is at risk but also a call to action — an opportunity to unite efforts to ensure that our cultural legacy, both on Earth and beyond, remains intact for future generations.