The CIIBI is a research center affiliated to the School of Forest Engineering and was founded in 1992. It is dedicated to scientific and technological research, extension and services in four different areas: seeds and forestry nurseries, natural forests, environmental services and wood products technology.

This center was created to support the country’s efforts in the fields of reforestation, timber industrialization as well as in natural forest planning and management.  First of all, efforts concentrate on developing technological packages for different species, with an emphasis on native ones; the process goes from the selection of seeds through timber processing, including the development of technologies to process and industrialize small diameter pieces, and excellent drying techniques to preserve them.

Also, research is done to assist in the sustainable management of natural forests, including post harvest behavior through the on-going monitoring of permanent research forests.  These provide necessary and fundamental knowledge which can be used in the country and Central America in order to take better advantage of forest resources.