The Site is characterized by grassland, marshland, reedbeds and areas of woodland. It supports hygrophilous communities important for maintaining biological diversity within the Pannonic biogeographic region. It is one of the best-preserved floodplains in the country, and includes several lakes at the confluence of the rivers Tisza and Bodrog. More than 250 bird species use the Site for nesting and as a resting ground during migration. The Site supports threatened species of birds such as the greater white-fronted goose and mammals including the European otter, and is an important spawning ground for fish such as the spined loach. Moreover, the Site plays an important role in flood control and local climate regulation, favouring the local production of the renowned Tokaji wine. Human activities include mowing, angling and livestock grazing. The Rákóczi Castle is situated at the mouth of the river Bodrog and adds historical value to the Site. The main threats are posed by invasive species of flora and the inflow of cyanide-polluted waters from the rivers Szamos and Tisza, caused by a gold mine spill near Baia Mare, Romania in 2000.