The waterways used for Dover to Calais ferry crossings could soon be included on the Unesco world heritage list if a joint bid by
Eurotunnel and French authorities is successful.
Representatives from
Eurotunnel and the Conseil General of the Pas-de-Calais region of France recently signed an agreement to join forces in promoting tourism and cross-Channel travel.
The bid to have the Dover Straits recognised by Unesco was one of 36 initiatives agreed upon by the organisations.
Other projects include the creation of a tourist destination at Sangatte near Calais and the construction of facilities to help organise the cross-Channel travel of sports teams taking part in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Jacques Gounon, chief executive of
Eurotunnel, said: "With strong development know-how,
Eurotunnel is working with the 2012 Games in mind towards the emergence of a tourist destination with international visibility on its doorstep, linking sustainable development and the creation of jobs.
"The signing of the partnership agreement with the Conseil General is a major step in the advancement of this project."
Dominique Dupilet, chairman of the Conseil General of Pas-de-Calais, said the agreement reflects the department's ambitions to be innovative and to seize all development opportunities.