Protecting Our Moon: A Nonprofit’s Urgent Call to Preserve this Historic Treasure

The World Monuments Fund (WMF) has released its 2025 World Monuments Watch list, highlighting cultural heritage sites facing significant threats from various dangers such as war, climate change, and tourism. With a goal of rallying support for preservation, the list draws attention to 25 sites around the globe. To kick-start projects, WMF has allocated $2 million in funding.

This year’s list includes two stunning grottos in China, ancient cave temples impacted by tourist crowds, a modernist cinema in Angola that reflects its complex history, and a time-honored chief’s house in Nigeria that could inspire a sustainable community future.

One surprising addition to this year’s watch list is the moon. As humanity ventures more into space, WMF advocates for protecting significant places like the Apollo 11 landing site. They emphasize raising awareness about preserving this lunar history that represents human achievement.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the featured sites:

Drino Valley Monasteries, Albania

Once central to Albania’s culture, the monasteries in the Drino Valley fell into neglect after communism shut down religious institutions in 1967. With rural areas depopulating, these historical structures now need community resources for care and revitalization. They hold potential for sustainable tourism if saved.

Cinema Studio Namibe, Angola

Constructed in 1973, the Cinema Studio Namibe was an ambitious project that never saw completion due to civil war. Now, it sits in disrepair, but recent urban initiatives in Moçâmedes could revive its cultural role as a cinema and community hub if restoration efforts proceed.

Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System

This ancient road network spans several South American countries, linking diverse cultures. However, the road system faces modern threats like development and environmental damage. WMF aims to advocate for its preservation through community and international support.

Buddhist Grottos of Maijishan and Yungang, China

These celebrated grottos, carved into cliffs, are experiencing damage from the rising number of visitors. They’re designated as World Heritage sites, underlining the need for balanced visitor management to protect their historical and artistic value.

Swahili Coast Heritage Sites, East Africa

This region, spanning countries like Kenya and Tanzania, is rich in trade history, yet faces climate change challenges like erosion and storm surges. Reviving traditional practices could enhance resilience against climate impacts while preserving cultural heritage.

Chapel of the Sorbonne, France

The Chapel is a beautiful example of French architecture with a long history. After years of damage, conservation efforts are underway to restore it and open it to the public again, highlighting the need to maintain such historical structures.

Serifos Historic Mining Landscape, Greece

This once-thriving mining area, now facing neglect and development pressures, tells the story of Greece’s industrial past. Advocates are working to strengthen legal protections and ensure its preservation for educational and tourism purposes.

Hamirsar Lake Water Systems, India

This ancient water management system is crucial for Bhuj’s survival amidst a growing water crisis. Revitalizing its historical methods could significantly benefit the community’s future resource security.

Musi River Historic Buildings, India

Located in Hyderabad, this area features historic buildings along the river, facing pollution and rapid urban expansion. Preservation efforts will help uplift the historical and ecological health of this integral urban space.

The Moon

As humanity continues to explore outer space, protecting historic lunar sites has become essential. These sites symbolize exceptional human achievement and must be safeguarded against threats of commercial exploitation and deterioration.

Preserving these sites is not simply about maintaining structures; it’s about protecting the stories and cultures they represent. Each monument holds unique significance to local communities and the world at large, highlighting the need for collective efforts in conservation and heritage awareness.

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world monument fund, endangered sites, moon