Russia plans to allocate some 6 billion rubles ($195 million) for research in Antarctica up to 2013, the head of Russia's meteorological service said on Tuesday.

The Russian government approved last week a national strategy in the Antarctic until 2020 and a scheme to build new research vessels.

Alexander Frolov said investment up to 2020 would be around 30 billion rubles ($975 million).

The strategy will focus on a federal program on the strengthening of Russian national interests in the region. The Russian Hydro Meteorological Service (Roshydromet) will be responsible for the work.

The program will include the construction of five new vessels, a new Il-114-100T aircraft and the reconstruction of the eight Russian polar stations and seasonal bases in the region.

The strategy is set to develop monitoring regional environment, improve scientific research in the Antarctic, create a more accurate forecast of climate change, develop the GLONASS satellite system and fisheries and help preserve the unique nature in the region.

Source: RIA Novosti