A new web-based organisation for Christians working in all aspects of environmental action was launched on Tuesday by Sir John Houghton at the IFES International Symposium on Climate Change in Jamaica.

The organisation, named Professionals International in Christian Environmental Action (PICEA), aims to support environmental professionals around the world in their personal and professional development and through networking, to connect individuals and groups.

The PICEA website will provide job listings, latest research, a job directory, discussion board and a peer review facility.

Sir John said, "The belief that God cares for all of creation brings a strong message of hope that Christian Environmental Professionals share as they get together in PICEA. In this exciting new association experts from rich and poor, north and south, east and west, will cooperate in facing the enormous challenge of halting and reversing the unprecedented environmental degradation in today's world."

PICEA is the brainchild of Simon Penny, founder of environmental consultancy Promise Consulting, and the website has been designed by Record Ltd, of London.

"There are probably hundreds, if not thousands, of Christians across the globe who are in, or seeking to become involved in, one type of environmental profession or another," Mr Penny said.

"They are motivated by their faith to care for their fellow human, their environment and the world God has given us to live in."

"PICEA is for those people, to help strengthen them in their calling to this vital and important ministry area. We envisage the organisation will be useful to all environmental professionals and even non environmental professionals who would like to support this area of work."

On the web: www.joinpicea.org