The value of a product or service is determined by the relationship of its worth vis-à-vis the cost to the stakeholder that desires it, and the resource-base responsible for its provision at a given situation. Value is commonly characterized by function rather than structure. Capturing the full value of tropical forests along side economic importance, is crucial in understanding climate change risks and the extent of vulnerability of shared resource pools and the implications on multiple stakeholders and the national development goals. Approaching vulnerability of tropical forest through its values could be attractive in engaging stakeholders for adaptation. This paper highlights the expanded benefits in assessing vulnerability of tropical forest ecosystems through the value of the goods and services they provide for livelihood adaptation and national development. Consolidating the desirable ecosystem services as defined by stakeholders that are likely to be affected by current or future climate change impacts on the forest under particular management regimes, seems strategic for adaptation. This approach also recognizes place, system, and non-static dimensions besides the preferred ecosystem service or bundle of services in the assessment of vulnerability and adaptation. Case studies from the Tropical Forests and Climate Change Adaptation (TroFCCA) project implemented by the Center for International Forestry Research will be used to demonstrate perceived value judgments of tropical forests regions in their prioritization of adaptation needs from tropical forest ecosystem services. Silvicultural examples will be used to demonstrate how forest management practices can safeguard the value-base of tropical forest ecosystems to different stakeholders. (Texte intégral)