Russian Arctic national park in the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, in the Arctic Ocean, is to be created in 2011, an expert said on Thursday.

Gennady Danilov, the director of the Franz Josef Land nature reserve, said the park's creation had been earlier scheduled for 2010, in line with the decree signed by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in June 2009.

However, the relevant bill has not yet been introduced, he said. "This was not done and we are drafting a letter to the government now," Danilov said.

The national park, which will cover the northern part of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago and nearby islands, is expected to become an attractive site for tourists due to its large colonies of birds, walruses and polar bears.

Danilov said the creation of the park would not only to protect the natural environment but also ensure Russia's national security.

"If a territory is not populated, it can be taken under international control," he said. "No one will turn their eye to a territory classified as a national park."

He added that the proposed national park could be expanded in the future to include Franz Josef Land, northwest of Novaya Zemlya.

When Putin announced the plan to create the park, he advised ministers to vacation in the region, and Danilov said tourists could take sightseeing tour from Murmansk to Franz Josef Land, the North Pole and Novaya Zemlya.

An average tour costs between $20,000 and $30,000 and lasts for 14 days. Every creature comfort is provided, including bars, swimming pools and saunas. Tourists can also take a helicopter to any place they like, Danilov said.

ARKHANGELSK, April 15 (RIA Novosti)