"The lunar surface was included on the 2025 Watch to highlight how a new era of space exploration could threaten extraterrestrial heritage — the report specifically cites risks of "exploitative visitation and potential looting" — and calls for international stewardship frameworks to protect scientific sites and cultural landmarks beyond Earth." - Michael Cappetta Michael Cappetta Michael Cappetta is a travel writer with over 10 years of experience in journalism and television news. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines