The vision of Brothers Cycling is the History of SynBorneo

What was Brothers Cycling?

The concept of Brothers Cycling for the World was simple – the brothers hit the pedals for a better world. Brothers Cycling for the World was a nonprofit organization created from the cycling journey of the Werren brothers in October 2010. It was the brothers' intention to transfer their cycling passion to benefit others. Through the donations they received from their supporters, they contributed funds towards humanitarian and conservation projects. Their idea was not just limited to monetary contributions, but also included creating job opportunities and ongoing activities/involvement for conservation projects specially in Sabah/Borneo.

How did Brother Cycling work?

It was simple – one could choose to donate a certain amount for each kilometer they cycled, or donate an amount at their own discretion. Though their cycling journey from Switzerland (Luzern) to South Africa (Cape Town) ended in December 2011, the project still continued. The foundation was still receiving donations, which were channeled towards existing or new humanitarian and conservation projects.

Who benefits from it?

The Society
In situations where we contributed our funding to re-planting or farming activities, we appointed a local individual to recruit and manage the local team for the projects.

Plants
We strongly believe in reforestation and replantation activities. Since 2017, we have focused on the Reforestation for the Orangutan Project in Bukit Piton, located in Lahad Datu, Sabah – Malaysian Borneo. The project is still ongoing and is accredited by the Sabah Forestry Department. To date, we have planted seedlings in 4.5 hectares since 2017, with a five-year maintenance plan to ensure the seedlings have a chance to survive against creepers and parasites. In 2022, we could start another 10-hectare project initiated by a tree businessman from Bern.

Animals
In relevance to the reforestation initiatives in Bukit Piton, our intention is to restore the forest for endangered species such as the orangutan, slow loris, storm stork, hornbills, and many more. This provides them with larger shelter areas and a continuous food supply from the replanted native wild fruit and dipterocarp trees.

Simon Werren (Founder Brothers Cycling 2010)

Philipp Werren (Co-Founder)

SynBorneo since 2023 (Back-to-the-roots revolution)

Prof. Maurus Schifferli (Founder)

Simon Werren (Founder)

In January 2023, with the visit of Ernst Götsch, Maurus and Simon decided to elevate the work of Brothers Cycling by transforming it into SynBorneo. SynBorneo is committed to being more than "just" a tree-planting organization. Drawing from Ernst Götsch's profound knowledge, innovative strategies, and visionary approach, we are embracing the back-to-the-roots revolution.

We firmly believe that integrating nature into our daily lives and work is the key to producing enough healthy food for ourselves while preserving habitats for wildlife on this beautiful planet. Working with nature, rather than against it, is not only easier and more sustainable but also holds the promise of a better future for all.

SynBorneo Organisations 

We are currently in the midst of establishing two organizations. One of them will be SynBorneo, headquartered in Switzerland. This entity will oversee the initiation, strategic planning, and knowledge exchange in collaboration with the University of Karlsruhe, where Maurus Schifferli will serve as a professor. Maurus Schifferli will also assume the role of President at the SynBorneo in Switzerland.

In Malaysia, SynBorneo is dedicated to acquiring impactful projects and supporting farmers who choose to transition from traditional farming to syntropic farming practices. SynBorneo provides comprehensive assistance to these farmers, helping them sell their cash crops at fair prices and ensuring they receive the necessary guidance and resources for successful implementation. Additionally, SynBorneo is committed to restoring degraded forests by investing the NGO's profits into land restoration initiatives, thereby fostering a sustainable and harmonious relationship between agriculture and the environment. SynBorneo in Malaysia will be headed by Itisha Ismail.