The Site is composed of four separate sectors of the extensive Hortobágy Steppe which include an alkaline wetland complex formed by artificial fishponds, a reconstructed swamp system, part of a dam, islands, woodland and mudflats, extensive grassland, and marshland areas. All the sectors support extensive reed and Nymphaea beds. The plant communities preserve remnant populations of formerly widespread species such as Phlomis tuberosa, a characteristic species of loess grasslands, and Plantago schwarzenbergiana, which is endemic to alkaline steppes in the eastern half of Carpathian Basin. The area is important for the breeding, wintering and staging of many migratory waterbird species, including the globally threatened lesser white-fronted goose Anser erythropus. It is also an important freshwater reservoir and plays an important role in flood regulation. Human activities include large-scale intensive fish production and reed harvesting. A field research station and several observation hides are available for birdwatching, though public access is strictly controlled. The main threats to the Site are posed by the intensive fish farming and the fluctuations in the water level due to artificial water management.