The organization that typically draws attention to sites such as Machu Picchu, the temples of Cambodia, and the old city of Taiz in Yemen has included the Moon in its list for the first time this year.
“The Moon seems distant from our usual focus, but with the increase in space flights, it’s time to organize,” noted the foundation's president, Benedict de Montlor.
Concerned that the new space race may exacerbate the problem of space debris and expand tourism both in orbit and beyond, the foundation has named the Moon as one of the 25 endangered sites in its report “World Heritage Review by 2025.” Among other locations on the list facing challenges such as climate change, tourism, conflicts, and natural disasters are the Gaza Strip, a damaged historical building in Kyiv, and coastal erosion in Kenya and the United States.
Particular concern surrounds “Tranquility Base” — the landing site of Apollo 11, where Neil Armstrong first set foot on the Moon.
While cultural heritage is typically protected by individual countries, safeguarding international sites like the Moon is more complex. Since 2020, the United States and 51 other countries have signed the Artemis Accords — a non-binding agreement that calls for the preservation of space heritage. At the same time, progress in establishing mandatory international rules for the protection of lunar sites remains slow.
“The Moon belongs to no one. It is a symbol of hope and the future,” emphasized de Montlor.