The South West RDA is a key partner in the development of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset and East Devon, which is the first natural World Heritage Site (WHS) in England to be designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The Project aims to improve the economic, social and environmental regeneration of the 95 mile-long coastal area and hinterland. The development of the Jurassic Coast as a World Heritage Site will undoubtedly improve the perception and image of the region, acting as an icon for South West England. 
 
A World Heritage Site Steering Group was set up to ensure the criteria for WHS status was respected, particularly in terms of the environment and sustainable development. The Steering Group, comprising 35 public and private organisations ranging from the Department of Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS) and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to local businesses, has worked with the South West RDA to produce a proposal for a framework project to integrate all the parts into a wider vision, using the environment as an economic driver.  
 
During the spring 2005, the steering group designed a detailed framework of action points and projects. Development projects include state of the art visitor centres at key strategic locations, and offering a user-friendly transport, information and accommodation package for a 'Walk through Time' from East Devon to Old Harry Rocks in the Isle of Purbeck. Revenue projects will seek to address the issue of 'Quality at Work' in tourism, encouraging participation from local communities, and will support innovative practices and the use of new technologies throughout the Jurassic Coast. 
 
In July 2005, the RDA Board reviewed the proposed Framework Action Plan and approved initial core funding for the project management and marketing of the project which will commence during the autumn 2005. The Framework Action Plan is seeking around £6.7m of South West RDA investment over 5 years towards an overall project cost of £24m. An RDA Board sub group was commissioned by the Board to consider the project in more detail.