The Site is an extensive wetland complex which includes a seasonal freshwater lake, wooded hills, wet forest, and a sand dune system, all located within El Kala National Park in the extreme north-east of the country. The lake is linked to the Mediterranean Sea and provides important habitat for aquatic plants. It is the most important nesting site in North Africa for a multitude of species including colonies of herons and egrets, western marsh harrier, and a wide range of waterbirds including rare and globally threatened species. Local communities engage in livestock grazing and seasonal cultivation. Management issues include the regulation of fishing and use of the lake water for irrigation, and restoration of the lake’s natural hydrological functions. The Site was added to the Montreux Record in 1993 because the lake was covered by emergent aquatic plants, leaving little open water. A significant decrease in the water supply to the lake has led to changes in its ecological character.