Cultural and Religious Heritage in the Commune of Covè (Bénin): Current Situation and Socio-Economic Implications

Heritage refers to wealth, property, or inheritance passed down from our ancestors. In the case of Covè, this heritage includes both cultural and religious elements that are available to the commune. The aim of this research is to examine the cultural and religious heritage of the commune of Covè. The methodology used in this study consists of data collection, data processing, and analysis of results. Field surveys were conducted based on questionnaires and interviews with 102 individuals, selected using Marien and Beaud’s method. The processing of this data and the analysis of the results led to the following key findings. The results indicate that the commune of Covè possesses a rich cultural and religious heritage that can significantly contribute to its socio-economic development. Nineteen (19) cultural heritage sites and twenty (20) religious heritage sites were identified through the survey responses. This heritage plays a crucial role in ensuring the security of the commune and supports its economy through tourism to local sites and small businesses run by the community during religious ceremonies. Proper management of these assets is essential for preserving and enhancing the heritage, ultimately contributing to the development of the commune of Covè.