Numerous migratory and resident seabirds, including a large number of Pelecanus spp. There are 19 endangered and protected species occurring, consisting of reptiles, birds and mammals. Human activities include commercial and subsistence fishing, tourism, an environmental education programme, and an agroforestry project. An aggregation of channels, shallow, brackish and freshwater lakes in the lower basin of two rivers. The site, bordering Costa Rica, includes coastal plains, bays, sand bars, and beaches.
Vegetation consists of mangroves and peat bogs.
The wetlands recharge aquifers which provide water for 56,000 inhabitants and irrigate banana plantations. Human activities include ranching, timber harvesting, subsistence agriculture, pig raising, fishing, and hunting. Posted 31 January 2000, Dwight Peck, Ramsar.