The paper explores the relationship between governance and the capacity to manage resilience in regional social-ecological systems. It examines three propositions: (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 the adaptive capacity of vulnerable groups. The authors analyze case studies from around the world, including the Great Barrier Reef, Kristianstad Vattenrike, Goulburn-Broken Catchment, and the Everglades, to illustrate these propositions. They find that trust-building, leadership, and the politics of managing resilience are crucial for effective governance. Polycentric and multilayered institutions are shown to enhance adaptability and flexibility, while accountable authorities that promote social justice can strengthen the adaptive capacity of vulnerable groups. The paper concludes by discussing the trade-offs and challenges in implementing these governance attributes to manage resilience effectively.The paper explores the relationship between governance and the capacity to manage resilience in regional social-ecological systems. It examines three propositions: (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 the adaptive capacity of vulnerable groups. The authors analyze case studies from around the world, including the Great Barrier Reef, Kristianstad Vattenrike, Goulburn-Broken Catchment, and the Everglades, to illustrate these propositions. They find that trust-building, leadership, and the politics of managing resilience are crucial for effective governance. Polycentric and multilayered institutions are shown to enhance adaptability and flexibility, while accountable authorities that promote social justice can strengthen the adaptive capacity of vulnerable groups. The paper concludes by discussing the trade-offs and challenges in implementing these governance attributes to manage resilience effectively.