A method to prioritize and allocate nature-based solutions in urban areas based on ecosystem service demand

•We map the demand for multiple ES to prioritize potential NbS sites.•To allocate NbS, we assign ES supply scores to 11 NbS types based on the literature.•Urban forest is the most needed NbS type in Valletta urban area.•Prioritization of other NbS depends on specific site constraints or demand profiles.•Coupling ES demand and NbS scores can support performance-based planning of NbS.