About 3.5 million years ago, one of our common human ancestors took a walk. We don’t know why. But when these footsteps were discovered at a site called Laetoli in Tanzania, they were recognized as the very first upright footsteps of humankind.
These footprints are cherished, studied, preserved. They are actually reburied and then excavated from time to time as scientists deem appropriate or necessary. Why go through all this trouble? Because our history is vital to our sustainability.
We understand the need for preservation well here on Earth.
Almost fifty years ago, on 20 July 1969, two humans took a walk. On the Moon. It was an achievement unparalleled in history. The site where these footsteps lay, undisturbed, are the first archaeological sites with human activity that are not on Earth. They bear witness to some of the most important technological developments in human history. They tell a story of science, technology and culture and serve to capture the imagination. And they memorialize the work of the thousands of scientists and engineers throughout human history who have studied or endeavored to reach the stars.
And yet, only one of these footprints is protected by international law, recognized by the international community as part of a heritage site and carefully preserved with periodic reburial. Does that make sense? We don’t think so.