Sri Lanka is taking steps to strengthen national stewardship of marine biodiversity in response to the entry into force of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. This landmark international treaty, which entered into force in January 2026, establishes a global framework for conserving and sustainably using marine life in the high seas.

According to Climate Fact Checks, the country is working to harmonize legal and institutional frameworks to support biodiversity protection, data sharing, and responsible management of marine resources as the global agreement takes effect. This alignment signals a broader shift toward long-term stewardship and coordinated ocean governance.

The BBNJ Agreement provides tools that help nations collectively care for the vast ecosystems that connect continents, including the creation of marine protected areas, stronger environmental impact assessments, and capacity-building measures for sustainable use of marine genetic resources. For island and coastal nations like Sri Lanka, these measures hold particular significance. The health of the ocean is directly tied to livelihoods, food security, and resilience against climate change.

In an era when environmental challenges transcend borders, Sri Lanka shows how national commitment can support global care. Through policy reform, collaboration, and foresight, Sri Lanka’s actions reflect a deepening recognition that protecting nature is not simply an obligation, but an enduring expression of care for the planet that sustains us all.