The Site is a wetland system of shallow bays, sand, shingle and rocky beaches, dune systems and shallow inland lakes. Large quantities of seaweed accumulate, creating rich feeding areas for waterbirds. The Site is of great importance to wintering and staging waterfowl, seabirds and waders, owing to its great diversity and its strategic location on the southern tip of Norway. The lakes are important feeding areas for divers, grebes, cormorants and many species of diving ducks during winter and migration periods. Populations of horned grebe (Podiceps auritus) and greater scaup (Aythya marila) winter at the Site, while common shelduck (Tadorna tadorna), water rail (Rallus aquaticus) and Eurasian curlew (Numenius arquata) use it for staging and breeding. The Lista area is important for leisure activities such as swimming, camping and birdwatching, and it is noted for a large number of archaeological findings of national importance, including ancient and monumental burial sites. The Site faces threats due to the recreational activities. Its management plan was being revised as of 2023.