The Desna River Floodplain lies adjacent to Ukraine’s border with the Russian Federation. It features numerous meanders, lakes, swamps and meadows with abundant semiaquatic and floodplain meadow vegetation, and small areas of floodplain forests. The Site is one of the most pristine stretches of the River, and supports nationally protected aquatic plant communities and internationally threatened species such as the critically endangered European mink (Mustela lutreola) and the vulnerable sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) and common pochard (Aythya ferina). Up to 70,000 birds stop over on the Site during their migration, and more than 1,500 individuals breed there including rare species of ducks, terns, waders and gulls. The absence of dykes and the excellent hydrological conditions make the Site a valuable spawning ground for many threatened, rare and commercially important fish species. The wetland contributes to freshwater purification, mitigates flooding and influences the local microclimate. Intensive agricultural activities have decreased over the years, and only some areas near settlements are threatened by overgrazing. The associated National Park plays an important role as a recreational area and hosts many environmental education activities.