They were set up by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior to promote research on these volcanoes. They were chosen for a number of reasons including their history of large explosive eruptions, their proximity to populations and their effect on people. The overall aim was to increase public awareness and reduce the volcanic hazard posed by these volcanoes.
So here they are...
Avachinsky-Koryaksky, Kamchatka
Colima, Mexico
Mt. Etna, Italy
Galeras, Colombia
Mauna Loa, Hawaii
Merapi, Indonesia
Niragongo, DR Congo
Mt. Rainier, Washington state (USA)
Sakurajima, Japan
Santa Maria/Santiaguito, Guatemala
Santorini, Greece
Taal, Philippines
Teide, Canary Islands, Spain
Ulawun, Papua New Guinea
Unzen, Japan
Vesuvius, Italy
Over the next few months I will write a bit about each of these volcanoes, starting with Avachinsky-Koryaksky, Kamchatka.