Dorset's World Heritage Status a boon for the coastal region

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World Heritage Heritage Status A Boon For The Dorset Coastal Region

According to researchers, since becoming a World Heritage site Dorset's Jurassic Coast has exceeded all expectations in the benefits it has brought to the region. 

It was in 2001 that Unesco awarded the status to the region along a stretch of Devon and Dorset's coatline.

The coastline has bought significant economic, social and cultural benefits to the region, according to regeneration experts Era Limited.

Both businesses and communities have benefited from the creation of the Jurassic Coast and the raising of its identity has in turn raised the profile of the area. according to the study.

According to Jurassic Coast World Heritage Steering Group chariman Don Gobbett "Communites and businesses have grasped the opportunities offered by the World Heritage inscription. Even in the current tough economic climate, the study findings suggest that the Jurassic Coast has the potential to play an important part in developing the economies of Dorset and East Devon."

Having mixed desk-baised techniiques with workshops, interviews and questionnaires, researchers found that 94% of those questioned saw value in the Jurrassic Coast identity and 75% of tourism based businesses confirmed it had influenced their marketing.

Hilary Cox, Dorset County Council's cabinet member for environment said "This study provides the evidence that World Heritage status for the Jurassic Coast has benifitted the region in more ways than we dared to dream. That not only tourism, but also our economic, environmental and educational sectors have seen improvements is really good news for all involved."