DORSET'S world-famous coast is the key to the region's prosperity, a top scientist said today.

The coast's new status as a World Heritage Site is the motor to drive economic and tourism development, said Dr Mechtild Rssler, a senior policy adviser with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) and European head of the World Heritage Centre in Paris.

Following a whirlwind tour of the coast yesterday with county council officials and geological experts, Dr Rssler addressed a conference at Kingston Maurward today attended by members of the Dorset Coast Forum.

She explained how Dorset could benefit from the experience and expertise of Unesco and link up with other World Heritage Sites across the globe.

She also emphasised the importance of developing education links.

After a visit to Chesil Beach at Abbotsbury, Dr Rssler said: "It is great to finally see the World Heritage Site for myself instead of looking at photographs. I think what amazes me is the incredible diversity of the site - the landscape certainly has quite a story to tell.

"It is actually interesting how many people are interested in geological sites and I think that this site can be promoted to aid tourism and economic development.

"Not only is it important to protect a site like this but to recognise that it is an important motor for the development of the region."

The fossil-rich Dorset and East Devon coast was granted world heritage status by Unesco in December, putting it on a par with the Great Barrier Reef. It is England's only natural World Heritage Site and the visit by Dr Rssler was seen as an official welcome into the family of World Heritage Sites.

Dr Rssler added: "The world heritage committee was particularly excited about the Dorset and East Devon coast because there are very few geological sites.

"Although there is no funding available, Unesco can certainly assist and develop networks that Dorset can benefit from."

Consultants are currently looking at the development opportunities available on the coast and are expected to report back to Dorset County Council in July.

Their recommendations could include the building of a new world heritage visitor centre and upgrades to existing heritage coast centres.

Manager of the county council's coast and countryside policy group and co-ordinator of the world heritage bid Malcolm Turnbull said many opportunities were available to develop the site, including effective use of the World Wide Web as an education tool and video conferencing.

Mr Turnbull added: "Unesco doesn't have a pot of gold for us but we can benefit from its experience so we can make the most of our site and discover the best way to look after it."

Chairman of the Dorset Coast Forum and county council advisor on the heritage bid Professor Denys Brunsden said he had been very encouraged by people's enthusiasm about the site.

He added: "All sorts of people are starting to co-operate with us now that world heritage has become a reality."