Welcome Atlas GIS: New Coordinators of Benin Flying Labs

Congratulations to Atlas GIS for being selected as the new coordinators of Benin Flying Labs! Their robust application, track record and shared values make them an ideal partner to coordinate Benin Flying Labs. 

Benin Flying Labs organizes, coordinates, and manages pilot and data/GIS training, as well as supports research and development projects for disaster relief and management, agriculture, environmental protection, health, search and rescue, and education. Benin Flying Labs also support local NGOs and institutions with expert advice and counsel on the use of drones for their projects, and they raise awareness about the social use of this technology, promoting its responsible use through events and demonstrations that show how robotics are used for social impact.

We sincerely thank Global Partners for previously leading Benin Flying Labs. You can learn more about the projects they led here. This excellent work was directly funded by WeRobotics, the Benin Government and Global Partners through dedicated funding and in-kind donations from all partners.

Flying Labs are local knowledge-hubs that are run entirely by local experts. Flying Labs decide for themselves which activities to carry out and with whom to partner. WeRobotics serves as an enabler, facilitating knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and opportunity transfer when requested by Flying Labs. All this is clearly explained in the Flying Labs model (PDF). At present, Flying Labs are operational in 25+ countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, all driven by local demand. 

To clear up any misunderstandings, the two original Coordinators of Benin Flying Labs moved on to other organizations in 2019. Shortly after that, the license for Benin Flying Labs expired. As a result, new applications for the coordination of Benin Flying Labs were submitted, including a very strong application by Atlas GIS. 

We sincerely thank Global Partners (GP) for previously leading the Flying Labs in Benin. As both Atlas GIS and Global Partners rightly know, Flying Labs are meant to be open, collaborative spaces. This explains why Atlas GIS has personally invited GP to continue being an active member of Benin Flying Labs in 2020 and beyond. 

For any questions on African Flying Labs in West Africa, please contact Mr. Tiamiyou Radji.