Conquering the Moon
Context:
Samantha Harvey’s Booker Prize-winning novel Orbital captures how human ambition has reshaped Earth’s natural landscapes. This reflection extends beyond Earth to the Moon, now facing the scars of human activity.
Booker Prize
It is a prestigious literary award established in 1969, recognising the best single work of sustained fiction written in English and published in the United Kingdom or Ireland. Initially limited to authors from Commonwealth countries, the eligibility criteria expanded in 2013 to include any English-language novel, regardless of the author’s nationality. The prize aims to promote exceptional literary talent and stimulate interest in contemporary literature.
Key Features of the Booker Prize:
- Prize Money: The winner receives £50,000, while each shortlisted author is awarded £2,500. This financial recognition not only rewards literary excellence but also significantly boosts the visibility and sales of the winning and shortlisted works.
- Judging Panel: A five-person panel, comprising authors, publishers, journalists, and other notable figures, is appointed each year by the Booker Prize Foundation to select the winner from a longlist and shortlist of nominated novels.
- Historical Context: The Booker Prize was founded by Tom Maschler and Graham Greene with sponsorship from Booker McConnell Ltd. The first award was given to P.H. Newby for his novel Something to Answer For. Over the decades, the prize has evolved, reflecting changes in literary culture and society. Its administration was transferred to the Booker Prize Foundation in 2002, with subsequent sponsorship by the Man Group.
Key Highlights
- The Moon as a Threatened Heritage Site: The World Monuments Fund (WMF) recently added Tranquility Base, Apollo 11’s landing site, to its list of threatened cultural sites. This highlights concerns over the Moon’s preservation amidst increasing space activities.
- The Dual Legacy of the Apollo 11 Landing: The 1969 Moon landing was a milestone of human ingenuity, symbolising technological ambition. However, it also initiated a geopolitical and commercial race that continues to expand.
- Ethical Dilemma of Space Exploration: The rise of private space tourism and commercial ventures raises critical questions about the line between curiosity and greed in the pursuit of progress.
- Scientific Opportunity vs Conservation: While the Moon offers immense potential for scientific exploration, imposing conservation ideals on this uncharted domain remains a contested topic.
- Reconciling Progress and Preservation: The WMF’s inclusion of the Moon’s heritage sites prompts a necessary dialogue on balancing human aspirations with the responsibility to safeguard extraterrestrial history.
World Monuments Fund (WMF)
It is a prominent international organisation dedicated to preserving cultural heritage sites around the globe. Established in 1965 and headquartered in New York City, WMF has worked on over 700 sites across 112 countries, focusing on safeguarding irreplaceable cultural heritage through advocacy, fieldwork, education, and training.
Key Initiatives and Focus Areas:
- World Monuments Watch: Launched in 1996, this biennial program raises awareness about heritage sites in need of protection.
- Climate Adaptation and Post-Crisis Recovery: WMF emphasises the importance of adapting heritage sites to climate change while also supporting recovery efforts after disasters or conflicts.
- Inclusive Heritage: WMF works to address inequities in heritage preservation by amplifying underrepresented narratives and ensuring that local communities actively participate in the stewardship of their cultural heritage.
Notable Projects:
- Ishtar Gate of Babylon: WMF has collaborated with Iraq’s State Board of Antiquities on the Future of Babylon project since 2009, focusing on the preservation of this iconic site.
- Phnom Bakheng: The organisation is involved in preserving this important temple in Cambodia, which is a key part of the Angkor archaeological park.
- Bears Ears National Monument: WMF advocates for the protection of sacred lands for Indigenous peoples in the United States, highlighting the intersection of cultural heritage and environmental justice.
