In view of the importance of this anniversary and the need to plan events in a timely fashion, two committees have been set up - an Honour Committee, presided over by the President of the Azores Regional Government, and an Organising Committee, coordinated by the Regional Environmental Department.

The commemorations of the 50th anniversary of the Capelinhos Volcano are intended to perpetuate the memory of its appearance and allow the public to play an active role. It will therefore focus not only on socio-economic aspects but also on its environmental outcome and effects on tourism.

Comissions in the West and East Coast of the United States of America as well as in Canada and Portuguese Continent were created to prepare activities in those contries. This translates the importance of this celebrations.