Ipoly valley is a long, flat and narrow valley featuring oxbow lakes, permanent freshwater marshes with reedbeds and peat swamp willow gallery forests. The river floodplain is a valuable habitat for migratory birds. Frequently more than 20,000 waterbirds including lesser white-fronted goose (Anser erythropus) and red-breasted goose (Branta ruficollis) use the marshes and wet meadows in early spring as resting and feeding ground, contributing to the biological diversity of the Pannonian biogeographic region. The floodplain plays an important role in flood regulation, sediment and nutrient retention, water purification and groundwater replenishment. The seasonally flooded meadows are partly grazed and mown. Other human activities include wine production, fishing, forestry, hunting and cattle-breeding. The ethnographic and cultural character of the Slovak-Hungarian ethnic border area is unique, as the two peoples have been living there together for centuries. Potential threats derive from sewage pollution and artificial water regulation. A management plan is being prepared.