Friends of SSSI
Friends of SSSI (Sites of Special Scientific Interest)
The Friends of SSSI (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) initiative is an informal multidisciplinary coalition dedicated to ensuring that the next chapter of lunar exploration is built upon a foundation of international cooperation and coordinated operational management that helps ensure the protection of sites of special scientific interest on the Moon.
Who We Are – The Voice of Science in Lunar Diplomacy
We are representatives from national UN COPUOS delegations with scientific interest in the Moon, informed by a global network of scientists, legal experts, diplomats, and researchers representing leading non-governmental organizations , including but not limited to:
- COSPAR (Committee on Space Research)
- IAU (International Astronomical Union)
- MVA (Moon Village Association)
- IAA (International Academy of Astronautics)
Our Mission
As humanity returns to the Moon, we serve as a vital bridge between the scientific community, industry, and international policymakers. Our goal is to provide UN COPUOS Delegates with the technical and scientific insights necessary for their work in UN bodies, such as the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation (ATLAC).
We hope that future operational frameworks will include tools to preserve selected sites in the Moon’s unique environment for future generations of researchers.
What We Do
- Strategic Planning: Organizing high-impact events and side meetings to facilitate dialogue between scientists and diplomats.
- Diplomatic Engagement: Developing briefings and presentations specifically tailored for the UN COPUOS environment.
- Monthly Meetings: Regular online sessions to coordinate cross-disciplinary research and policy development.