This permanent freshwater lake and marsh complex is made up of two interconnected water bodies, Wégnia and Kononi, linked by a natural depression. It is a rare and unique wetland ecosystem in this bioclimatic zone, supporting high biodiversity, including approximately 80 tree species, such as the globally vulnerable shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). It is also home to endangered animal species, including the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus), as well as waterbirds such as the cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) and double-spurred francolin (Pternistis bicalcaratus). The lake plays a vital role in food security, providing fish, molluscs and grains, while also serving as an important fish spawning habitat. Other human activities in the area include livestock grazing, rice and vegetable farming and forest resource exploitation. However poaching, overfishing and unsustainable agricultural practices may lead to resource depletion, erosion, sedimentation and deforestation.