Sting has moved his upcoming concert in the Philippines following news that stadium bosses were planning to uproot and relocate 182 trees as part of a venue expansion.
The Guardian reports that the former Police frontman called off his scheduled gig at Pasay’s SM Mall of Asia Arena after he became aware of protests by environmental groups towards the stadium owners over their plans.
After receiving letters from campaigners, Sting has now moved the December 9 show to the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
SM Mall of Asia reps told the Associated Press that they were informed of Sting’s decision recently – despite appealing to the singer that the trees were being moved to “address an urgent topsoil erosion problem” at the venue site.
“Understandably, the known environment-advocate artist was left with no choice in spite of the SM representatives’ appeal.”
Sting and his wife Trudie Styler founded the Rainforest Foundation in 1989, which aims to protect rainforests and the indigenous people who live within them.
The foundation has helped save 28 million acres of rainforest in more than 20 different countries.
