21 September 2012: During the 11th European Geoparks Conference, the Global Geoparks Network Bureau added four new sites in China, Indonesia, Hungary and Spain. The Global Geoparks Network links geological heritage sites of international importance, rarity or beauty that are also used to promote sustainable development for local communities.

The addition of new sites bring the total number of Geoparks in the Network to 91, located in 27 countries. The 11th European Geoparks Conference took place in Arouca, Portugal, from 19-21 September 2012.

According to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the new sites are: Bakony-Balaton Global Geopark (Hungary); Batur Global Geopark, Indonesia; Central Catalonia Global Geopark (Spain); and Sanqingshan Global Geopark (China). [UNESCO Press Release] [UN Press Release]