Assessing nature-based solutions uptake in a Mediterranean climate: insights from the case-study of Malta

•NbS were analysed using Mediterranean climate case-studies and stakeholder interviews.•NbS led to multiple co-benefits but several gaps in implementation were identified.•Key enablers were policy alignment, interdisciplinarity and public relations benefits.•Several institutional, infrastructural and perception barriers limit NbS uptake.•Stakeholder engagement and experimentation are key to developing context-specific NbS.