Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Act 2026

The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Act 2026 enables the UK to ratify and implement an international agreement protecting marine life in ocean areas beyond any nation's control (international waters covering about half the world's oceans). The bill creates legal mechanisms for the UK to participate in a global framework that establishes marine protected areas, requires environmental impact assessments for ocean activities, and enables benefitsharing from marine genetic resources. It effectively gives the UK a voice in governing and conserving the high seas while committing to enforceable conservation standards.