Identifying Spatial Opportunities for Nature-Based Solutions Planning in Cities: A Case Study in the Area of Valletta, Malta

Nature-based solutions (NbS) in cities are actions that utilize ecosystem processes of green-blue infrastructure to safeguard or enhance the delivery
of ecosystem services and contribute to address urban challenges. The identification of spatial opportunities for NbS can support the development of concrete
options of NbS planning and implementation. This research presents an approach
to identify spatial opportunities to implement NbS within the urban agglomeration
around Valletta, Malta. Spatial opportunities for NbS are identified through spatial analysis of available open spaces and content analysis of the spatial policies
promoting NbS interventions. Overall spatial opportunities cover the 14% of the
case study area. They include open spaces that are potentially available for the
creation of new ecosystems, built-up areas where it is possible to integrate green
elements, and existing ecosystems to conserve and/or enhance. The identification
and mapping of spatial opportunities can support the NbS planning and implementation on the ground, while highlighting in which city areas there is the need
to integrate alternative solutions because of the lack of space.