This thesis explores the barriers to the lack of NbS implementation and provides possibilities to manoeuvre these barriers. I do this by looking at the case of Passau, a small German town. Climate-related increase of tropical nights and heat days, due to the Urban heat island effect increasingly affect human well-being in Passau and adaptation to this reality is necessary. Nature-based Solutions are one way to mitigate urban heat by employing nature to regulate temperatures and generate social benefits simultaneously. So far, the implementation of NbS in Passau has not happened, which is why it is researched by asking these questions: What are the barriers to implementing NbS for urban heat adaptation in Passau?; What are solutions to the barriers to NbS implementation in Passau?; What are potential sites and design considerations for NbS implementation to mitigate Urban Heat? The research is framed by employing the concepts of NbS and Co-creation. NbS aim to increase urban resilience by including citizens in the process. Co-creation ensures co-learning, social cohesion and acceptance of NbS. Barriers and solutions are identified by co-producing knowledge with diverse stakeholders. The study uses semi-structured interviews and interactive future walkshops to identify barriers, find solutions and discuss design considerations for NbS. The methods make use of AI and AR to assist the research and engagement process. By using the analysis method of qualitative content analysis municipal documents are analysed along with research input, by categorising the data. The main findings show the need for increased political acceptance of NbS, as political decision-making was identified as essential for creating NbS. Awareness and information about NbS have to be increased by doing public work and bringing the topic into the public debate. Legal requirements and land use planning need to be rethought and adapted to host NbS implementation. There needs to be a discussion about financing and providing space for NbS, which could signify a debate about redistributing resources. There is an opportunity for collaboration and exchange of knowledge between stakeholders. Citizen activists and politicians showed, that public opinion can be important to influence policies, showing the importance of educating citizens about NbS. Residents play an increasingly important role in climate adaptation as they are experiencing urban heat and have to adapt. The responsibility of NbS implementation is discussed and alternative ways are shown. Lastly, the thesis provides NbS site proposals and recommends design considerations, based on citizen involvement.

Key words: Nature-based Solutions (NbS); Climate adaptation; Co-creation; Urban Heat Island (UHI); Implementation of NbS; Passau