The Moon has been listed as a ‘vulnerable site’ for the first time – here’s why

The Moon has been listed as a vulnerable site- the first time a location beyond Earth has been categorised as such.

The World Monument Fund, an international nonprofit, highlights 25 sites at risk every two years.

It says the Moon is on its list due to the dawn on the new Space Age and because more than 90 historic lunar sites are on it.

This includes the Tranquility Base where humans first set foot on the Moon, which preserves astronaut Neil Armstrong’s boot print.

More than 100 other artefacts from the Apollo 11 mission are also preserved.

President and CEO of the Fund, Bénédicte de Montlaur, said: ‘For the first time, the Moon is included on the Watch to reflect the urgent need to recognise and preserve the artefacts that testify to humanity’s first steps beyond Earth— a defining moment in our shared history.

‘Items such as the camera that captured the televised moon landing; a memorial disk left by astronauts Armstrong and (Buzz) Aldrin; and hundreds of other objects are emblematic of this legacy.

‘Yet, they face mounting risks amidst accelerating lunar activities, undertaken without adequate preservation protocols.

‘The inclusion of the Moon underscores the universal need for proactive and cooperative strategies to protect heritage — whether on Earth or beyond — that reflect and safeguard our collective narrative.’

Other sites on the list include Gaza’s historic urban fabric, Kyiv’s Teacher’s House and Africa’s Swahili Coast.

These locations face major challenges such as climate change, natural disasters and conflict.

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