ABSTRACT
Traditional faith practice in the Borgou region of West Africa reinforces links with nature and conservation of landscapes. Baatɔnu hunters find affinity with the spirits of wild animals and special trees, which leads to the establishment of sacred spaces. Those spaces are transformed into shrines from which to access benevolent spirits. The shrines, in turn, give power and legitimacy to chiefs and other customary Baatɔnu leaders through their constituent springs, leaves, roots and animal parts. The leaders, then, work with spirit conjurers to protect the community from evil influences. They also work with hunters to actively manage and conserve the shrines and other exceptional natural spaces while guaranteeing the equitable allocation of hunting spoils and other resources. Management and conservation nourish collective action across Baatɔnu society and build the ties that bind: consensus, solidarity and a common identity.
