21 Aug 2014 15:20

Some 720 hectares cleaned in Arctic, works to resume when funds are given - Minister Donskoi

MOSCOW. Aug 21 (Interfax) - The Economic Development Ministry has approved a federal target program to support further cleaning of the Russian Arctic, Natural Resources and Ecology Minister Sergei Donskoi said.

He reminded government members at a meeting on Thursday that the habitat of polar bears had been cleaned up since 2012.

"Some 720 hectares have been cleared of the accumulated damage and more than 2,400 hectares have yet to be cleaned. The works will depend on the approval of the relevant federal target program," Donskoi said.

In his words, the Economic Development Ministry has okayed the program.