Location: The site is located in the Nizhni Novgorod Region (central part of European Russia), at the confluence of the Volga and the Oka rivers.

The site represents the largest peatland complex to the south of the northern taiga zone in Europe. Some species are listed in the Russian Red Data Book such as Pandion haliaetus and Haliaeetus albicilla. Rare plants include Isoetes lacustris and I. echinospora. The area provides important habitats for breeding populations of waterbirds. The total number of waterbirds in the beginning of the nesting season is about 15,000 individuals; at the end of the season, this number reaches 50,000. The area harbours many bird species such as Falco peregrinus, Aquila chrysaetos, Gavia arctica, Aythya nyroca, Grus grus, Ardea cinerea, Numenius arquatus, Gallinago media, Tringa stagnatilis, T. glareola, Sterna hirundo, Haematopus ostralegus, Bucephala clangula and many others. It is also an important stop-over site for migrating birds.

Extensive natural and relatively intact peatland complex, including mires, lakes and surrounding forests. The mires are represented by raised bogs, fens and various transitional types. There are 27, primarily eolian and karst lakes.

Biological/Ecological notes: Lakes are overgrown with various emergent and submerged plant associations, including reeds Phragmites communis, sedges Carex, Nuphar, Sparganium sp., etc. Pine forests cover 50,000 ha. The rest of the area is occupied by birch and aspen forests. The pine forests are primarily 30-60 years old and are represented by the following types: pine forest with Hylocomium, Dicranum, Rhytidiadelphus species, lichen pine forest, reedgrass forest, bog moss forest and pine forest with brake fern. There are small sites covered by 100-120-years old pine forests.

Hydrological/Physical notes: Wetlands of the area act as natural filters for waters that discharge into ground water supplies and reach the Volga River and smaller rivers.

Human Uses: Predominant activities in the site include forest cutting, planting, peat mining (at an area of 200 ha), grazing, commercial and sport fishing and hunting, and harvesting of berries and mushrooms.

Conservation Measures: Most wetlands within the area are protected in a number of protected areas, including the 47,000 ha Kerzhensky Zapovednik which is a strict nature reserve and local nature monuments with a total area of 47,665 ha. The whole area is to be included in the projected 280,000 ha Kerzhensky Biosphere Reserve (1997).

Adverse Factors: no additional information available.

Most recent Ramsar Information Sheet/datasheet: 1997; Please see Introduction for more details.