The sustainability of regional development can be explored through various lenses, particularly focusing on resilience, the capacity to cope and adapt, and the conservation of innovation sources. However, interventions in social-ecological systems to alter resilience face governance challenges, such as who decides what should be made resilient and for whom. This paper examines how governance attributes enhance resilience management. Three propositions are explored: (1) participation builds trust and deliberation leads to shared understanding; (2) polycentric and multilayered institutions improve the fit between knowledge, action, and socio-ecological contexts; and (3) accountable authorities that pursue just distributions of benefits and involuntary risks enhance adaptive capacity. Case studies from around the world show that participation, deliberation, and polycentric institutions are crucial for managing resilience. These studies highlight the importance of trust-building, effective leadership, and the need for inclusive governance. The paper also discusses the challenges of managing resilience in the face of ecological uncertainties and the importance of social justice. The findings suggest that polycentric and multilayered institutions are essential for managing resilience, as they allow for adaptive responses at appropriate levels. The paper concludes that accountable and just authorities are vital for enhancing the adaptive capacity of vulnerable groups and society as a whole.The sustainability of regional development can be explored through various lenses, particularly focusing on resilience, the capacity to cope and adapt, and the conservation of innovation sources. However, interventions in social-ecological systems to alter resilience face governance challenges, such as who decides what should be made resilient and for whom. This paper examines how governance attributes enhance resilience management. Three propositions are explored: (1) participation builds trust and deliberation leads to shared understanding; (2) polycentric and multilayered institutions improve the fit between knowledge, action, and socio-ecological contexts; and (3) accountable authorities that pursue just distributions of benefits and involuntary risks enhance adaptive capacity. Case studies from around the world show that participation, deliberation, and polycentric institutions are crucial for managing resilience. These studies highlight the importance of trust-building, effective leadership, and the need for inclusive governance. The paper also discusses the challenges of managing resilience in the face of ecological uncertainties and the importance of social justice. The findings suggest that polycentric and multilayered institutions are essential for managing resilience, as they allow for adaptive responses at appropriate levels. The paper concludes that accountable and just authorities are vital for enhancing the adaptive capacity of vulnerable groups and society as a whole.