The Moon is listed as a cultural endangered site for the first time

The Moon is for the first time included in the list of cultural heritage sites that are under threat. A press release on the website of the World Monuments Fund (WMF) organization said on January 16.

"This is the first time the Moon has been included on the list of vulnerable cultural sites to reflect the need to recognize and preserve artifacts that bear witness to humanity's first steps beyond Earth," said WMF Director General Benedict de Montleau.

In addition to Earth's satellite, the list includes 24 sites located in 29 countries that are affected by climate change, tourism, conflict and natural disasters.

De Montlo emphasized that the listing of the Moon is necessary to commemorate humanity's first steps beyond planet Earth. In her opinion, the video camera that filmed the landing on the satellite, as well as the silicon disk left by astronaut Buzz Aldrin with messages from the heads of world countries are of particular value.

In addition, the list of vulnerable sites included the Turkish city of Antakya in Turkey, the historic urban development of Gaza, which was destroyed due to conflict in the Middle East, and a mountain road system in the Andes.

Earlier on December 22, 2024, Kyoto University and Japan's Kajima Corporation intend to build a ground-based prototype of the Neo Lunar Glass station by the 2030s, which could generate Earth-like gravity and allow humans to live on the Moon. The research team assumes that the Neo Lunar Glass structure will have a diameter of about 200 meters and a height of 400 meters, which will be able to accommodate up to 10 thousand people.