The waters around the outermost islands of the Hvaler archipelago (Ytre Hvaler) are home to marine species and habitats that cannot be found elsewhere in Norway, including unique deep sea coral reefs, as well as fish, seals, sharks and colonies of seabirds. Thumbs up then for the opening of the national park, whose aim is to protect the local fauna and flora for future generations, and encourage sustainable tourism. It’s the first of its kind in Norway by the way (well, it’s actually a joint endeavour, as part of it lies in Swedish waters), and it’s been creating a bit of a stir on both sides of the border of late. Thousands of people gathered today for the official opening by Crown Prince Håkon of Norway and King Carl Gustaf of Sweden. Read more about the national park on www.ytre-hvaler.no or the opening on www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/ostfold/1.6766503 (Norwegian only)