The article "Going beyond panaceas" by Elinor Ostrom, Marco A. Janssen, and John M. Anderies discusses the pitfalls of applying a single governance system blueprint (panacea) to all environmental problems. The authors argue that scholars and practitioners often fall into the trap of believing that simple models can solve complex resource management issues, assuming that all resource users have similar preferences and perceptions. They provide empirical evidence and theoretical analysis to show that panaceas frequently fail, highlighting cases where they have led to negative outcomes. The article emphasizes the importance of diagnostic approaches, monitoring, and learning in selecting appropriate governance strategies for sustainable resource use. It also addresses the challenges of interdisciplinary collaboration and the need to incorporate uncertainty and dynamic feedback into research and policy-making. The special feature includes eight articles that explore these issues through case studies and empirical research, offering insights into how to move beyond panaceas in the governance of social-ecological systems (SESs).The article "Going beyond panaceas" by Elinor Ostrom, Marco A. Janssen, and John M. Anderies discusses the pitfalls of applying a single governance system blueprint (panacea) to all environmental problems. The authors argue that scholars and practitioners often fall into the trap of believing that simple models can solve complex resource management issues, assuming that all resource users have similar preferences and perceptions. They provide empirical evidence and theoretical analysis to show that panaceas frequently fail, highlighting cases where they have led to negative outcomes. The article emphasizes the importance of diagnostic approaches, monitoring, and learning in selecting appropriate governance strategies for sustainable resource use. It also addresses the challenges of interdisciplinary collaboration and the need to incorporate uncertainty and dynamic feedback into research and policy-making. The special feature includes eight articles that explore these issues through case studies and empirical research, offering insights into how to move beyond panaceas in the governance of social-ecological systems (SESs).