The Laguna del Negro Francisco acts as an important regulator of the biotic and abiotic elements forming the ecological web of the Andean ecosystems in the region. Of the 53 species of fauna present, approximately one third are threatened to some degree. There are vestiges of pre-Hispanic hunters and evidence of earlier occupation in the surrounding area. Ramsar site no. 877. A saltmarsh and saline lakes subject to seasonal fluctuations set in the High Andean steppe.
Vegetation is determined primarily by the relief and the water availability.
One of the four most important places in Chile for nesting flamingos. The site supports various high altitude species of flora and fauna which are endangered or rare. Human activities include livestock grazing, borax mining, and tourism. Ramsar site no. 873. The site encompasses seasonal and permanent lagoons and salt marshes, with several small fresh or brackish ponds in the high Andes sub-desert steppe.