The Protection of Cultural Heritage Sites on the Moon: The Poo Bags Paradox

Abstract

During the several human Moon missions, astronauts left more than 100 metric tons of objects on and around the landing sites. Among them, there are scientific materials, symbolic, commemorative and personal artefacts as well as bags containing human wastes (feces, urine and vomit). Today, some initiatives have been started in order to declare these sites as «cultural heritage» by both States and regional organisations. However, the very presence of these «poo bags» raises some issues for public international law. Indeed, they could constitute a real threat to the lunar environment and for scientific activities carried out on the Earth’s natural satellite. This article aims to present the paradox of these bags which, on the one hand need to be protected according to their future status of «cultural heritage» and part of cultural sites on the Moon and, on the other, should be removed in order to protect both scientific interests and the lunar environment.