Located near the lower reaches of the River Neretva, the Site comprises swamps, lakes, wet meadows and riverine forests. These provide favourable conditions for many wetland species, particularly of birds and fish, several of which are internationally threatened. Since 1988, the Site has been listed as an Important Bird Area, highlighting the importance of these habitats to migratory and resident species such as the European turtle dove and the common pochard. 63% of the fish species found on the site are indigenous, making it a very valuable hotspot for biological diversity. Human activities such as fishing and hunting, diversion of water to power plants, agricultural intensification, urbanization and growing tourism pose potential threats. Changes in the local climate also threaten the stability of the ecosystem, having caused an increased rate of habitat alteration in recent years.